Chael Sonnen stands firm on retirement: ‘I am not coming back’

Chael Sonnen has not stepped foot in the octagon since fighting Rashad Evans at UFC 167 nearly two years ago in November 2013. He was scheduled to clash with Wanderlei Silva at UFC 173, but one of Sonnen’s pre-fight random pre-fight drug tests forced him out of the fight when it came back positive for performance enhancing drugs.

Sonnen quickly announced his retirement from mixed martial arts just before UFC terminated his contract and the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended him for two years. The two year suspension will expire in the summer of 2016, but it looks like he will stand by his original decision to retire.

“I am not coming back,” Sonnen told MMA Fighting. “I am not putting a toe in the water. I don’t know how to speak any more clear.”

Sonnen has moved on from his partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is now a color-commentator for World Series of Fighting, as well as an on-air personality for Global Championship Wrestling. He also works as an analyst on ESPN and hosts a podcast named “You’re Welcome” which is quickly becoming MMA’s most popular podcast with guests spanning multiple sports.

Of course, Sonnen gets the itch to return to action. However, he plans not to act on it. “Am I getting the itch?” Sonnen said. “Man, I never really lose it. When I go to bed at night, I do still fantasize about that. But I fantasize about a lot of things.”

“I won’t be back.”

If Sonnen ever does make his way back to the octagon, who would you like to see him fight? Do you think he would fight for Bellator if they gave him a lucrative offer? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!