Well folks it is literally the end of an era. The best trash talker in the game has now left the sport. Whether you like him or not there is no denying that ‘The American Gangster’ Chael P. Sonnen had a massive impact on the sport during the second half of his fight career.
The 37-year-old posted the following statement on his Facebook page:
“I want to take an opportunity to officially announcement my retirement from competitive mixed martial arts. I had a great time. I want to thank Roy Pittman. I want to thank Dave Sandal. I want to thank my coach Clayton Hires. These guys taught me how fight, they taught me how to persevere and they stood by me through thick and thin.
“I want to thank FOX, I want to thank the leadership of the UFC. I want to thank a man named Bill Brady, who gave me a second wind if you will. He’s a member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission and he believed in me at a time when I really needed somebody too, and I owe the second wind of my career to him. I am proud to call him a friend. I also want to thank the most important opponent I’ve ever had. I couldn’t have got here without this dance partner, and that is of course you, Anderson Silva. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for the memories, thank you for the invitation to the barbeque, even though I didn’t take you up on it.”
During the week it was revealed that Sonnen failed a random drug test and was forced out of his fight with Vitor Belfort. He took to live TV to explain that what he took was necessary due to natural ailments in his body and as a result of the TRT ban. He did go on to say that he would appeal the decision but I guess there is no point anymore.
We here at #WHOATV will sure miss “The Bad Guy”.
