Chael Sonnen said he intends to return to light heavyweight following his elimination from the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix.
“The American Gangster” was TKO’d at the end of the first round against Fedor Emelianenko in their semifinals bout. Sonnen defeated Quinton “Rampage” Jackson via unanimous decision to advance from the quarterfinals back in January, but most of Jackson’s career was fought at 205. Emelianenko, a smaller but natural heavyweight, gave Sonnen issues with his size and power.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been ground and pounded like that,” Sonnen said to the media following Bellator 208.