Chael Sonnen

By FCF Staff

Chael Sonnen may be turning 40 in  a couple of months time, but the former UFC contender has his sights set on becoming a champion with Bellator.

The charismatic fighter will return to the cage later this month at the January 21st, Bellator 170 card, and will face light-heavyweight Tito Ortiz. Sonnen will be fighting for the first time since 2013, when he was stopped by Rashad Evans.

Recently Bellator held a media call in advance of the event, and during it, Sonnen relayed this (quote via Bellator press release):

I want to compete at Bellator. I want to be a champion, get to the top, and compete with all the guys. I want to find a weight class. I’d like to do it at 205-pounds, but I think there’s an opportunity at 185 and now we have some big signings at heavyweight and catchweight too. I just think there’s a lot of opportunity over here. I can tell you as far as training, working hard and being prepared, that’s what I do. I do it every day. I will bring my skills to the fight and if they’re enough I’ll win; If they’re not, I won’t. That’s just the way that this sport is played and I’m just looking forward to competing with these guys.

Ortiz, meanwhile, hasn’t competed since September, 2015, when he was submitted Liam McGeary.

Bellator 170 will take place at the Forum in Inglewood, California.