MMA legend and fan favorite Chael Sonnen left his gloves in the cage Friday night at Bellator 222, and announced that he’s calling it a career after more than two decades in the sport.
Lyoto Machida defeated Sonnen by TKO in the second round, handing Sonnen his second consecutive loss, and the 42-year old told the crowd in New York City that he had a “hell of a lot of fun” in the octagon.
“I had a good run. Scott Coker gave me a five-fight deal, he let me honor all five fights. And ladies and gentlemen, I’m walking out. I appreciate the memories, and goodbye.”
Sonnen got emotional talking about his decision to walk away with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani.
Sonnen: “I was on a bit of a championship run – if I beat Lyoto tonight, I would have fought [Ryan] Bader for the world championship. And that was the only reason I was in the sport. I promised my father I’d…. You know, I was just in the sport.”
Helwani: “Do you leave with any regrets?”
Sonnen: “No, no. I loved every minute.”
