MMA News & Notes: Chael Sonnen Plays Down Rumored Return to UFC Octagon
Fans of former UFC fighter "The American Gangster" who are hoping for his return to the Octagon are in for disappointing news. Chael Sonnen has no plans to end his retirement and come back to the sport.
The self-proclaimed "People's Champ" quashed the rumors through the Anik and Florian podcast on Tuesday.
"As for the MMA goes, man, I think I ran my race," Sonnen told hosts Jon Anik and Kenny Florian. "I've got some good memories and I think that's where that ends."
He added that he currently enjoys fighting in Metamoris, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu promotion firm. Sonnen had his second career fight at the Metamoris against Renato "Babalu" Sobral last May 9. The fight ended in a draw, reported MMA Fighting.
The light heavyweight fighter also revealed that he is preparing to compete at a wrestling submission match in August. Sonnen will see action in the champions of the Abu Dhabi Combat Club as a heavyweight wrestler.
It seems things have been running smoothly for the former MMA fighter after his retirement. Before his exit from the UFC, though, Sonnen had to face several controversies. The Nevada State Athletic Commission slapped him with a two-year suspension in July 2014 after testing positive to human growth hormone (HGH) and recombitant human erythropoietin (EPO), which are both performance-enhancing substance that are not allowed by the NSAC.
But instead of filing for an appeal for his suspension, the fighter decided to bid goodbye and retire after fighting for 17 years. Sonnen said he wanted to take the time to focus on his family and health, noted MMA Mania.
While he might not be in the UFC anymore, the former No. 1 light heavyweight title contender is already happy that fellow wrestler Daniel Cormier has taken home the belt.
"I thought it was inspiring. One because I'm a wrestler so I'm always excited to see wrestling do well," he told Florian.
He added that Cormier's win was also a victory for old fighters in the UFC.
"When a guy that age, 36, 37 years old, comes out and wins the world championship it makes us feel young again. It makes you feel like the world doesn't just belong to 18 to 25 year olds."
Reports that the 38-year-old light heavyweight fighter will return to the UFC came about when his manager, Mike Roberts, expressed that after Sonnen's suspension, he might go back to mixed martial arts.
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