Chael Sonnen tells Associated Press he's signed with Bellator. Bellator officials confirm. This man is full of surprises.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 16, 2016
Bellator just pulled the most Bellator move in Bellator history. Yes, Scott Coker and Bellator once again visited the old-but-still-awesome fighter well, and this time, they hooked a Chael Sonnen.
You know what? It’s awesome, and kinda perfect when you think about it.
With his mic skills, 39-year-old Chael Sonnen can take over Spike TV. Sure, he’s at the end of his career, and he hasn’t fought since November of 2013. Yes, he’s coming off a two-year suspension for failing a drug test, but we’re here now. USADA-free, after the UFC granted his release.
Chael has plenty of people to fight in Bellator, and the cross promotion opportunities are obvious. Put Chael across your network, Spike. Give him money fights. His golden pipes made Anderson Silva a superstar and without Chael, there is no Conor McGregor. Chael changed the game. Now he’s coming to Bellator.
Let’s go down the list here: Chael could fight Rampage, Shlemenko, Melvin Manhoef or… Royce Gracie. Hell, maybe Bellator and Rizin can work something out so we can finally get Chael vs. Wanderlei Silva.
Or he can fight Tito!
Sonnen’s Bellator debut hasn’t been set yet, but I’m told he wants to Tito Ortiz ASAP.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 16, 2016
This is genius work by Spike and Bellator. Chael Sonnen is a legitimate draw, and we’ll be able to get verbal wars between two of the greatest mouths in the history of MMA.
Chael talked about his new home in a press release from Bellator:
“I’m consistently blown away by the product and presentation that Bellator is bringing to the fans,” said Sonnen. “I’m not nearly done competing and I’m coming after everyone, everywhere. I’m not sticking to one weight class either, I fight at ‘Gangster Weight’ and nobody is safe.”
I, for one, welcome Bellator’s new overlord. Chael going on a final run of money fights might be some real fun times.