Chael Sonnen (36-16-1) was not far from becoming a world champion years ago in the UFC’s Octagon.
In 2010, ahead on the scorecards against the greatest fighter in the world Anderson Silva, the All-American wrestler found himself suddenly trapped in a triangle armbar that forced him to tap in the fifth and final round—hopes, dreams and glory, all at the brink of reality, instantly dissipated back into reverie.
Nearly a decade later, the hunger for a championship is still on the 42-year-old’s mind, consuming him and propelling him forward into the main event of Bellator’s New York City blockbuster.
Sonnen expressed as much during Tuesday’s press conference.
“I still want to become a champion,” Sonnen said. “I set that goal out for myself a long time ago and I still have not gotten it done yet.”
For more from Bellator’s latest presser, checkout RBR MMA’s complete coverage of the event.
