10 Impact Signings Bellator Have Made Since 2015
9. Chael Sonnen
The often outspoken Sonnen signed with the company in September 2016 and made his debut in the main event of Bellator 170 against Tito Ortiz. He would lose by submission, but bounced back at Bellator NYC, defeating fellow veteran Wanderlei Silva by unanimous decision.
A veteran of 46 MMA fights, 'The American Gangster' holds notable victories over current UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping as well as former UFC light heavyweight champion MaurĂcio 'Shogun' Rua, and could have been the UFC's poster boy in the middleweight division if not for a number of failed drug tests.
While he appears to be on the tail end of his career, Sonnen has lost none of his charisma, which naturally makes him a big draw. Look no further than the gate revenue from both of his prior Bellator fights and it's obvious that fans still care about seeing the man that nearly knocked off Anderson Silva compete.
Sonnen also called out Emelianenko following his victory over Silva, which could make for an enticing catchweight bout in the future.