Sonnen (left) regrets defeat to Tito PHOTO: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
The premiere of Chael Sonnen in Bellator came with defeat, but that didn't stop the former UFC fighter from continuing to dictate his own destiny. After the setback for Tito Ortiz in the main fight of Bellator 170, Sonnen once again challenged Wanderlei Silva. The Brazilian has been his rival for a few years, since the two were coaches on TUF Brasil and fought briefly during the program's recordings.
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“I certainly have my eye on the fight against Wanderlei Silva. And I'm sure he'll tell you the same thing. We have had unfinished business to resolve for many years,” Sonnen pointed out at the post-Bellator 170 press conference.
Sonnen and Wanderlei even had a fight scheduled for Ultimate, but both had doping problems with the Nevada Athletic Commission and the fight never took place. Now, they are linked to Bellator, with Wanderlei being a kind of ambassador for the event – but he is already training for his return to MMA.
Sonnen also spoke about the disappointing debut against Tito Ortiz. The American praised his opponent, but admitted that he felt “embarrassed” for losing a fight to an athlete who is retiring.
“I lost position today. It hurts, it's shameful to lose a duel like this, especially for a guy who is retiring. You want to beat this. You want to make him pass the baton and that's it. I had to have these minutes at maximum speed. It’s a difficult experience, but it’s what I needed,” he commented.
Chael Sonnen hadn't fought since November 2013, when he lost in the first round by technical knockout to Rashad evans, at UFC 167. Since then, the American was caught in a doping test, retired, but returned to competing after an offer from Bellator.
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