As Bellator legend Sonnen departs, Emelianenko returns

NEW YORK – Bellator 222 lived up to its billing as one of the cornerstone events in the MMA promotion’s history. More than anything, though, it might be remembered as the night two notable fighters made crucial choices.

Chael Sonnen (30-17-1 MMA, 2-3 BMMA) and Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 2-2), who are two of the biggest names on Bellator’s roster, made opposite decisions about their fighting futures at 42.

Sonnen, who lost to Lyoto Machida by second-round TKO in the co-main event Friday at Madison Square Garden, opted to retire after falling short in a light heavyweight title eliminator.

“It’s somebody else’s turn,” Sonnen told USA TODAY. “You’ve got to be tough in this sport. I feel like I used all of my toughness up. There was some positions in there that, before in my career, I would have walked right through them.”

Sonnen’s retirement marks a loss in star power for Bellator. The three-time UFC title challenger is among the most captivating characters in MMA history, but he admits his time for active competition has passed after more than 22 years putting on the gloves.

Although Sonnen will remain part of Bellator as a commentator and analyst, he says he “used to have more grit, and I just felt like maybe I fired my last bullet.”

That’s not the case for Emelianenko, knocked out in a fight for the vacant Bellator heavyweight title six months ago. The quick and definitive nature of the loss opened the door for retirement, but “The Last Emperor” vetoed that option.

The Russian standout is among the most successful heavyweights the sport has known, and just minutes before Sonnen announced his retirement, Bellator CEO Scott Coker revealed Emelianenko’s commitment to stick around.

A new multiyear, multifight “farewell tour” contract was signed by Emelianenko, and he intends to close out his career in the Bellator cage.

“My strong friendship and respect for Scott Coker made reaching a contract extension a simple process,” Emelianenko says. “Bellator is my home. I look forward to helping Bellator continue to grow and reach its full potential as the world’s top MMA promotion.”

His presence for the time being is something that bolsters the Bellator brand, even if it’s impossible to fill the void left behind by Sonnen when it comes to generating interest in a fight.