Chael Sonnen Open To UFC Return If He Can Pass USADA Testing

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Chael Sonnen said that he’s considering a return to the UFC if he can pass the USADA’s testing procedures. Here are highlights:

On if he wants to return: “I definitely have that itch. I fantasize about it. But it’s one step at a time. I’m not holding back from you. I’m not acting like my return is some kind of breaking news. I’d tell it to you right now. But I have to pass this first test, quite frankly. It’s still out there. I’ve gotta pass it. If I pass that, I’ll pass all of them. But I have to know that everything is out. Boom, step one down. Step two, get in shape, get ready to go — I’m there. I’m in shape, I’m ready to go. Step three, be the baddest dude in the world. C’mon, Ariel. C’mon, buddy. I dominated — this is just a fact. I dominated middleweight. There has never been a middleweight like me. The next closest guy is Anderson Silva. I’ve got two 10-8 rounds against Anderson Silva. That’s just the truth. I have no equal at middleweight.”

On wanting to get tested on a curve: “I don’t want to be tested like everybody else. I want it to be on a curve. I’d like a curved system. Oh, you had seven things last time, this time you’ve only got three. That’s pretty good. That’s the kind of test I’m looking for. And I’m not sure that’s out there.”

On making sure everything’s out of his system: “I took a bunch of stuff that you can’t take and I want to make sure [it’s out]. I thought that made sense. Like yeah, I don’t want to jump in this thing if it’s just all gonna blow up in my face. [USADA] laughed like what I was saying was crazy. No, that’s exactly what happened.”