MMA News: Chael Sonnen Signs with Bellator MMA

One of the UFC's former long-time top contenders and middleweight and light-heavyweight title challenger, Chael Sonnen, signs with rival mixed martial arts promotion, Bellator MMA, in a multi-year, multi-fight deal.

After being one of the biggest names in the UFC, headlining numerous main events, and even coaching the UFC's "The Ultimate Fighter" against former light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, "The American Gangster," Chael Sonnen, has followed suit with other former top contenders of the UFC and went on to sign with Bellator MMA. The trash-talking All-American wrestler had his last fight in the UFC against "Suga" Rashad Evans at UFC 167 in 2013, after losing the bout, Sonnen was suspended by the NSAC for two years after a failed drug test. Since then, Sonnen has retired and was hired by ESPN as an MMA analyst.

Many expected that Sonnen would return to fighting in the UFC after his suspension, but the former top middleweight went in another direction by signing with Bellator. According to MMA Fighting, Sonnen intends to fight the top names in the sport in the light heavyweight division. He stated that he feels that he should be fighting at 205 pounds, but he also mentioned that a fight between himself and Rory McDonald, who also recently signed with Bellator, could possibly take place. 

One of the people who's attention was caught by Sonnen's transfer to Bellator, was former light-heavyweight champion, and one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, Tito Ortiz, who says that he'd like to welcome Sonnet to his new home with a blockbuster fight. According to Yahoo! Sports, Ortiz only has one fight left in his Bellator contract, and has not yet decided whether he wants his last fight or not, but with Sonnet in the picture, the former UFC champion might finally have a reason to put on the gloves one more time.