MMA industry experts are already casting doubt over the validity of Chael Sonnen's retirement. The 37 year old fighter announced his exit from the sport on Wednesday evening, in reaction to the news he had been banned from UFC 175 by the Nevada State Athletic Commision for taking anti-estrogen drugs. Sonnen claimed he wanted to now spend more time with his family. Industry insider Dave Meltzer is already proving sceptical of this. Speaking on his Wrestling Observer Radio Show, Meltzer stated "I don't believe I've seen the last Chael Sonnen fight." "A lot of stuff happens, a lot of shows need main events." "Right now hes going to be suspended anyway, I have a feeling a year from now there's going to be opportunities to fight, there's going to be a big show with a name needed." Meltzer's suspicion is founded on solid grounds. UFC are badly in need of big name fighters, which Chael most certainly is after his blockbuster fights with Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. If Dana White came calling in 2015 for Chael to fill a big main event, could the fighter really resist the lure? He has proved in the past to be one of the ultimate company men, always helping White out, always open to fights. The lure of a big payday is also obvious, Sonnen has without doubt increased his value by creating the perception he is retired. We may have seen the last of the brash fighter for now, but next year could be a whole different matter.
