Chael Sonnen Retires From MMA After Bellator 222 Loss

At last night’s Bellator 222 event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida beat former UFC title contender Chael Sonnen by knockout in the second round of the co-main event for the fight card. Following the fight, Chael Sonnen announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. You can check out some video highlights for the fight card and Sonnen vs. Machida below.

In his post-fight interview, Sonnen stated, “I’ve got one thing to say, I had a hell of a lot of fun. I had a good run. Scott Coker gave me a five-fight deal. He let me honor all five fights and ladies and gentlemen, I’m walking out. I appreciate the memories and goodbye.”

Sonnen’s career in MMA has spanned over 22 years. He made his pro MMA debut in May 1997. He ends his MMA career with a record of 31-17-1. He made his Bellator MMA debut in early 2017.

This technically isn’t the first time Sonnen has retired from the sport. Previously, he announced his retirement from competitive MMA in June 2014. The announcement came after Sonnen failed a drug test for banned substances in May ahead of a planned UFC fight with Wanderlei Silva. Sonnen received a two-year suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission as punishment for the failed test.

After his suspension ended in 2016, Sonnen resumed his MMA career and signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA. While Chael Sonnen always came up short when it came to title fights in major organizations, he became a fan-favorite for his unique brand of trash talk, his feud with Anderson Silva for their two title fights in the UFC, and being one of MMA’s most outspoken personalities.

Sonnen should do OK in his post-fight career. He also currently works as a broadcaster for ESPN’s MMA programming. Additionally, he hosts his own podcast, You’re Welcome! With Chael Sonnen.