Following his loss to Lyoto Machida at Bellator 222, Chael Sonnen officially called it a career, leaving his gloves in the cage and walking away from the sport. You can view highlights from the fight by clicking here.
Here's how fellow fighters reacted to The American Gangster announcing his retirement.
You’re the man @ChaelSonnen!!!! Happy retirement!
— Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) June 15, 2019
Good move by @ChaelSonnen. He has enough going on that he doesn’t need to do this anymore. Came back, had some big fights, nothing more to accomplish in the sport
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) June 15, 2019
Congratulations on a good career @ChaelSonnen, you changed the way to promote fights and make them interesting. All the best to you in the future.
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) June 15, 2019
We appreciate you, Chael. #Bellator222
— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) June 15, 2019
The American gentleman @ChaelSonnen enjoy retirement #Bellator222 @BellatorMMA
— Cris Cyborg on Youtube (@criscyborg) June 15, 2019
To this day @ChaelSonnen is the nicest fighter I’ve ever met. Congrats on an incredible career Chael. #bellator223
— Scott Holtzman (@HotSauceHoltzy) June 15, 2019
I will never forget chael vs Silva when he dominated for 4 and 3 quarter rounds and just barely came up short. One of my favorite fights I’ve seen. Congrats on a fun filled career
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) June 15, 2019
Hats off to @ChaelSonnen
— Tim Johnson (@tbeartim) June 15, 2019
True understanding of the mma game and one of the most entertaining individuals behind the mic or in front of the camera.#respect #Bellator222 pic.twitter.com/TYqM054bjm
Hope you have a happy retirement @ChaelSonnen, congratulations on your career and changing the game.
— Patricky Freire (@PatrickyPitbull) June 15, 2019
If you missed anything from Bellator 222, click here for Fightful's full report.
