APNewsBreak: Chael Sonnen returns to MMA with Bellator

Sonnen, 39, said he hopes to begin in November by taking on fellow UFC alumnus Tito Ortiz, but he says he’ll begin the next chapter of his remarkable career with no other preferences about opponents, fight locations or even weight classes. All I can tell you is as for myself, no matter what happens I will make that walk when my music hits those speakers. “This is what I do”. Being around the coaches, and going out there and competing and having a goal, all the way from making weight to sacrifices in camp to going out there and shaking hands.

“If I was to fail a [drug] test under my Bellator contract, it would cost me 100 percent of my purse and $500,000”, Sonnen shared on Friday’s introductory conference call.

A fight between Sonnen and Ortiz is one Bellator is now weighing for Sonnen’s debut, though nothing is official yet.

Earlier this week, mixed martial arts fans were surprised to learn that Chael Sonnen had come out of retirement and signed with #Bellator #MMA, instead of returning to #UFC. I’ve been mentally preparing to compete and I was thinking about going into the middleweight division. Granted, I don’t know what his drawing power will be after two years, but Sonnen is pretty great at hyping his fights, so I imagine he could drum up interest out of thin air – provided interest isn’t already there. I’d see him around at events. The UFC Hall of Famer and current Bellator star intimated that he was ready to welcome Sonnen to his new promotion.

As a result, the 37-year-old was handed his walking papers from FOX, lost his role as co-host of the popular UFC Tonight and saw the NSAC hand him a two-year suspension. I think with the change of being over in Bellator, just looking at the lineup, looking at the guys they have, I just think 205 is the place to be for right now.

“He has that entertainer X-factor that can’t be taught”, Coker added. When we were signing him, Chael was adamant that he wants to compete in three divisions here. “If he’s got guys that want to fight, then let’s fight”.

“I would love to fight the next 20 years, but my life is settled financially”, Ortiz said. “Heels lie.” According to the report, Sonnen said he willing to fight in multiple weight classes within the California-based promotion, and he is not seeking any specific matchups.

His first fight with Bellator will be highly anticipated.

On drug testing requirements with Bellator, Sonnen claimed his contract includes language that spells out harsh punishment for any failed drug test: 100 percent of his fight purse and a $500,000 fine, payable to the promotion.