Bellator’s Chael Sonnen: ‘I still want to become a champion’

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.