After a lengthy career, Chael Sonnen decided to call it quits Friday night at Bellator 222.
Sonnen was one of the most outspoken and toughest fighters in the game. The pros showed their support for Sonnen after his knockout loss to Lyoto Machida.
Check out their reaction below:
The ride is over. @ChaelSonnen announces that he is retiring. ✊ pic.twitter.com/kNMQEIdIKq
— DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) June 15, 2019
Congrats on retirement @ChaelSonnen
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) June 15, 2019
Enjoyed the journey @sonnench next chapter begins! The gangster pic.twitter.com/l0gHj8Aby8
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) 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
The American gentleman @ChaelSonnen enjoy retirement #Bellator222 @BellatorMMA
— Cris Cyborg on Youtube (@criscyborg) June 15, 2019
You’re the man @ChaelSonnen!!!! Happy retirement!
— Douglas Lima (@PhenomLima) June 15, 2019
Thank you @ChaelSonnen. #bellator222
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) 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
He will always be defined by his verbal gifts. Unmatched.
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) June 15, 2019
But in a sport, in a culture where resume supersedes record, The resume of @ChaelSonnen will stand the test of time as one of MMA"s greatest.
He went out like the warrior it's been so easy to forget he's always been.
Congrats on a legendary career @ChaelSonnen! Changed the fight game forever!
— BJ Penn (@bjpenndotcom) June 15, 2019
Omg. The original AMERICAN GANGSTER!!! @ChaelSonnen https://t.co/dqXJuM2k5Q
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) June 15, 2019
@ChaelSonnen CONGRATS! One of the most genuine human beings I have ever met in my life. One of the good guys. Years ago he found out a certain UFC fighter with a large family got suspended, Chael sent an envelope with a check to his house to help. They barley knew each other.
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) June 15, 2019
Never thought I would see the day when a man walked away from MMA undefeated. @ChaelSonnen congratulations on a beautiful career.
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) June 15, 2019
Congratulations @ChaelSonnen on retirement ! Great career filled with huge fights and amazing entertainment!
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) June 15, 2019
‘The man of the hour, to sweet to be sour. What you see is what you get, and what you don’t is better yet.’
— Jack 'Tank' Shore (@jackshoremma) June 15, 2019
Happy retirement to the legend @ChaelSonnen one of the best this sports ever had.
The American Ganagster
I have only interacted with @ChaelSonnen 1 time in person. It was in the workout room before he fought Jon Jones, and he was the nicest dude! He introduced himself to every person in the room. I thought so highly of that gesture, that I do the same thing now! Great career!
— Chas Skelly (@ChasSkelly) June 15, 2019
@ChaelSonnen Tonight may have been your last fight but your days of competing, commentating and displaying your Red Belt in Wit are far from over! You make life fun! It’s an honor to call you my friend! #gangster
— Mike Goldberg (@GoldieOnTV) June 15, 2019
Congratulations to a @ChaelSonnen on a great career. An unbelievable fighter, wrestler, and great entertainer. Hate it or love it the dude is a trailblazer and pioneer of the sports. All the best in retirement.
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) June 15, 2019
— Brett Johns (@36Johns) June 15, 2019
Thanks for the memories @ChaelSonnen https://t.co/p23VgoObw6
Congratulations @ChaelSonnen on a great, successful and entertaining career!
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 15, 2019
We’re gonna miss you @ChaelSonnen https://t.co/ZZcXQTZIWr
— Jessy Jess (@missjessyjess) June 15, 2019