Chael Sonnen

By FCF Staff

Recently Chael Sonnen announced he’s ended his memorable, fighting career, and his former promoter Dana White has credited the rugged wrestler for how he became one of the sport’s biggest names.

Sonnen announced he’s retiring at Bellator 222 earlier this month, after he was stopped by Lyoto Machida in the second round. The bout was Sonnen’s fifth with Bellator, following a lengthy run with the UFC, where “The Amerian Gangster” became one of the promotion’s biggest and more polarizing stars.

While talking with Sirius XM recently, White had this to say about Sonnen and his brash persona (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“I don’t think Chael was necessarily a bad guy. Before Conor McGregor, Chael was the best guy out there who knew how to push buttons and not only knew how to piss off other fighters but also piss off the fans and do things like that,” White said.

“I think he was very calculated and very smart in how he conducted himself in this business.”

The 42-year-old Sonnen, who made his pro debut in 1997, retired with a record of 30-17-1.