Chael Sonnen News

Paulie Malignaggi
BKFC

Paulie Malignaggi fires back at Askren, Sonnen after criticisms

Tom Taylor - June 30, 2019

Shortly after former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi came up short to UFC veteran Artem Lobov in a bare knuckle bout at BKFC 6, he was criticized by MMA stars Ben Askren and Chael Sonnen. Both men made comments suggesting that perhaps boxers aren’t quite as skilled as we previously believed. Malignaggi has now responded to these criticisms with a challenge to both Askren and Sonnen. He encouraged the pair of MMA fighters to to give boxing a try if they think it’s so easy. He also added that they’re probably make more money doing so than they do in MMA.

Jon Jones, Matt Hamill, Chael Sonnen
Jon Jones

Chael Sonnen explains why Jon Jones' DQ loss shouldn't be overturned

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 28, 2019

Chael Sonnen is not in favor of having Jon Jones’ lone defeat overturned. Jones is widely considered to be the best pound-for-pound mixed martial artist in the world. He has gone 15-0, 1 NC in his last 16 outings and is a two-time UFC light heavyweight champion. That does not include his interim light heavyweight title win. Jones is set to defend his 205-pound gold against Thiago Santos at UFC 239 on July 6.

Chael Sonnen Bellator 208
Phil Baroni

Phil Baroni claims Chael Sonnen stole his gimmick and was always fourth string at Team Quest

Christopher Taylor - June 20, 2019

Former three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen retired from the sport of mixed martial arts this past weekend following a knockout loss to Lyoto Machida at Bellator 222. The setback served as Sonnen’s second in a row, as he was previously defeated by MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko in the semifinals of the Bellator heavyweight grand prix.

Chael Sonnen
Dana White

Dana White says Chael Sonnen was the best guy to 'piss off other fighters'

Cole Shelton - June 20, 2019

After Chael Sonnen lost to Lyoto Machida at Bellator 222, “The American Gangster” announced his retirement from MMA. The 42-year-old never reached his goal of capturing a major MMA title, which he considers to be a failure, but he was one of the major draws in the sport. The Oregon native, Chael Sonnen, fought the top names in the sport and knew how to sell a fight with his mouth. The lead up to his title fights with Anderson Silva and his scrap against Tito Ortiz were among the best. And, according to UFC President, Dana White, that made Sonnen stay relevant as he could sell a fight and piss off other fighters.

Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen proclaims himself 'best drug cheat' of his era

Tom Taylor - June 18, 2019

Last weekend, after a stoppage loss to former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, MMA star Chael Sonnen announced his retirement from the sport. Sonnen retires with an impressive resume. He reached tremendous heights in WEC, the UFC, and Bellator. He defeated top-flight foes like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Michael Bisping, Nate Marquardt, Brian Stann, Yushin Okami, Renato “Babalu” Sobral, and Jason “Mayhem” Miller. He also holds the distinction of being the only man to battle MMA legends Anderson Silva, Jon Jones and Fedor Emelianenko.

Chael Sonnen, Conor McGregor
Chael Sonnen

VIDEO | Chael Sonnen gets emotional when asked what he'd tell late father at career's end

Tom Taylor - June 16, 2019

On Friday night, after being stopped by Lyoto Machida in the co-main event of Bellator 222, Chael Sonnen decided to up to hang up the gloves. Sonnen had a legendary career as a professional mixed martial artist, challenging for WEC and UFC titles on multiple occasions, and very nearly battling the Bellator heavyweight strap. In the end, however, he never captured a major MMA title.

Tito Ortiz grave Chael Sonnen John McCarthy bellator 170
Bellator 222

Tito Ortiz pokes fun at Chael Sonnen following knockout loss to Lyoto Machida

Christopher Taylor - June 15, 2019

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen retired from fighting yesterday evening following his loss to Lyoto Machida at Bellator 222 and Tito Ortiz couldn’t be happier. At least so it would seem. ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’ took to Instagram where he posted a video of Chael Sonnen’s knockout loss, this while congratulating ‘The Dragon’.

Lyoto-Machida-Chael-Sonnen
Bellator 222

Lyoto Machida found no added satisfaction in retiring Chael Sonnen

Chris Taylor - June 15, 2019

Lyoto Machida was thrilled to defeat Chael Sonnen at yesterday’s Bellator 222 event, but he found no additional satisfaction in retiring the ‘legend’. Machida was able to drop Sonnen with a flying knee in round one, but the always durable Oregon native was able to survive and see a second round.

Chael Sonnen discusses Tito Ortiz loss
Bellator 222

Chael Sonnen issues hilarious comment following loss to Lyoto Machida

Chris Taylor - June 15, 2019

Chael Sonnen squared off with Lyoto Machida in a light heavyweight contest at last night’s Bellator 222 event in New York. Sonnen returned to action for the first time since Bellator 208, where he suffered a first round TKO loss at the hands of Fedor Emelianenko. Prior to that, ‘The American Gangster’ had reeled off back to back wins over MMA legends Quiton Jackson and Wanderlei Silva.

Lyoto Machida, Chael Sonnen
Bellator 222

Bellator 222 | Pros react to Lyoto Machida KO, Chael Sonnen retiring

Chris Taylor - June 14, 2019

A light heavyweight scrap between former UFC standouts Lyoto Machida and Chael Sonnen served as the co-headliner of tonight’s Bellator 222 event in New York. Chael Sonnen was last seen in action at Bellator 208 where he suffered a first round TKO loss to MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Prior to the setback, Sonnen was coming off back-to-Back decision victories over former MMA champions Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Wanderlei Silva.

Lyoto-Machida-Chael-Sonnen
Bellator 222

Bellator 222 Results: Lyoto Machida stops Chael Sonnen with a flying knee (Video)

Chris Taylor - June 14, 2019

A light heavyweight bout between fan favorites Lyoto Machida and Chael Sonnen served as the co-headliner of tonight’s Bellator 222 event in New York City. Chael Sonnen was last seen in action at Bellator 208 where he suffered a first round TKO loss to MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Prior to the setback, Sonnen was coming off back-to-Back decision victories over former MMA champions Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Wanderlei Silva.

Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen says he 'will be a failure' if he doesn't win a title

Cole Shelton - June 13, 2019

In the co-main event of Bellator 222, Chael Sonnen will take on Lyoto Machida at light heavyweight. There, it is expected the winner of that fight will take on Ryan Bader for the promotions light heavyweight title. With that said, this could be the last time that Chael Sonnen finds himself within reach of a title shot. The 42-year-old made a promise to his father before he passed away that he would win a title in a major MMA promotion. After three attempts in the UFC and one in the WEC, he has yet to accomplish it. Sonnen still plans on keeping that promise, for if he doesn’t, he consider himself a failure.

Henry Cejudo, Dana White, Valentina Shevchenko, Ali Abdelaziz
Henry Cejudo

Coach discusses Chael Sonnen's influence on Henry Cejudo

Tom Taylor - June 5, 2019

You’ve probably noticed that UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo has come out of his shell lately. Ahead of his UFC 238 bantamweight title fight with Marlon Moraes, he’s been talking trash and cutting promos in a way that he never has previously. According to his coach, that’s due in part to the influence of Chael Sonnen. Speaking at a scrum this week, coach Eric Albarracin explained how Henry Cejudo has been influenced by the infamous trash talker Chael Sonnen (via MMA Fighting).

Lyoto-Machida-Chael-Sonnen
Bellator 222

Lyoto Machida explains decision to fight Chael Sonnen, details lofty goals in Bellator

Chris Taylor - May 25, 2019

Lyoto Machida will return to the cage on June 14 where he will square off with Chael Sonnen in the headliner of Bellator 222. The former UFC light heavyweight champion, Machida (25-8 MMA), made his Bellator debut this past December where he picked up a split-decision win over former Bellator middleweight title holder Rafael Carvalho.

Chael Sonnen, Conor McGregor
Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen trolls Lyoto Machida, Machida responds

Tom Taylor - April 24, 2019

UFC veterans Chael Sonnen and Lyoto Machida are scheduled to collide in a light heavyweight showdown at Bellator NYC on July 14. Yet on Wednesday afternoon, Sonnen took to Twitter and cast doubt on the status of this matchup. Machida:

Chael Sonnen, Conor McGregor
Chael Sonnen

Report | Chael Sonnen returns to the Bellator cage opposite former UFC champ Lyoto Machida

Tom Taylor - April 4, 2019

Chael Sonnen is set to return to the cage the summer, and his opponent will be former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. The bout will go down on June 14 inside New York City’s world famous Madison Square Garden. This news was first reported by ESPN, and subsequently confirmed by MMA Junkie.

Chael Sonnen, Conor McGregor
Jon Jones

Chael Sonnen makes bold prediction for UFC 235 main event

Chris Taylor - March 2, 2019

Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has a bold prediction for tonight’s UFC 235 main event title fight between Jon Jones and Anthony Smith. “The American Gangster” joined Ariel Helwani last night on ESPN’s Sports Center where he shared his pick for this evenings highly anticipated UFC 235 main event.

Lyoto-Machida-Chael-Sonnen
Chael Sonnen

Lyoto Machida heading back to light heavyweight with Chael Sonnen fight in the works

Drake Riggs - February 27, 2019

It has been six years since the former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida (25-8) competed in a bout that took place at 205-pounds. However, that appears to be changing for his upcoming fight. According to ESPN, a light heavyweight bout between Machida and the three-time UFC title challenger, Chael Sonnen (31-16-1) is currently being finalized for an event to be determined. Both fighters have reportedly verbally agreed to the bout.