Manager: Chael Sonnen will return for 'right fight' after NAC suspension ends

During his two-year Nevada Athletic Commission suspension, Chael Sonnen has been referring to himself as a retired fighter.

But most of us had a sneaking suspicion we'd eventually see the cagey veteran in action again.

Sonnen's NAC suspension for multiple performance-enhancing drug violations ends on July 23. And while he still would have to be re-licensed, West Linn, Ore.'s most famous resident is open to the idea of a return fight.

According to MMAFighting.com's Ariel Helwani on Wednesday's edition of UFC Tonight, Sonnen's manager, Mike Roberts, said his client is ready to rock.

"I firmly believe if the right fight and offer come along Chael will jump at the chance to fight again," Roberts said. "He is as competitive as they come."

Sonnen, who turns 39 next month, tested positive for PEDs in a pair of tests administered in the runup to a planned UFC 175 fight with Wanderlei Silva. His last fight was at UFC 167 in Nov. 2013, a first-round TKO loss to Rashad Evans.