Chael Sonnen Background
Chael Sonnen is a former professional Mixed Martial Artist who is most notably remembered for his stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship or the UFC, the premier Mixed Martial Arts promotion in the world where he contended for the UFC Light Heavyweight and UFC Middleweight Championships.
Having begun his career his career as a wrestler at a very young age, Sonnen quickly turned his attentions to Mixed Martial Arts and upon graduating from high school, he wanted to carve out a career in the UFC. In his first ever match as a professional Mixed Martial Artist, the American defeated Ben Hailey before going on to record five more wins.
His first loss came at the hands of Trevor Prangley and suffered another loss via a triangle choke at the hands of future UFC star Forrest Griffin.
The American Gangster was soon given a chance to impress in the UFC after being signed up by the promotion but was later released following a 1-2 record in the promotion. Not one to be bogged down, Chael Sonnen joined Bodog Fight before signing for World Extreme Cage Fighting or WEC where he became an immensely popular heel figure.
After the WEC was disbanded following its acquisition by the UFC, Sonnen returned to the promotion of his dreams where he began fighting as a Middleweight in the 185 lbs. division.
Over time, the American developed a feud with reigning UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva and landed two consecutive shots at the title, losing both before returning to the Light Heavyweight division. Chael Sonnen lost his only championship match in the division to Jon Jones as well.
Sonnen was slated to fight at the finale of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 but was caught for doping and was subsequently suspended for two years, upon which, he announced his retirement from the sport.