It’s the “Bad Guy” vs. the “Bad Boy.”
Chael Sonnen will make his Bellator debut against none other than Tito Ortiz, officials confirmed on Tuesday evening. The news was revealed on SportsCenter and subsequently confirmed by Bellator head Scott Coker.
Just announced on @SportsCenter, it's about time and we're bringing it to Los Angeles!! #Bellator170 pic.twitter.com/vL11FAQ9q5
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) October 19, 2016
The two will tangle at Bellator 170 at The Forum in Los Angeles on Jan. 21.
In a surprise move, former UFC trash-talker extraordinaire Sonnen (28-14-1) recently signed with Bellator after completing a two-year suspension for a failed drug test. Initially, Sonnen said he retired from mixed martial arts competition, but then made recent indications that he wanted to return to fighting. Sonnen hasn’t competed since November of 2013 in a TKO loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 167.
Ortiz (18-12-1) last fought at Bellator 142 in September of 2015. In the fight, Ortiz lost in the first round of a light heavyweight title fight to Liam McGreary via triangle choke.
Follow Erik Fontanez on Twitter: @Nahmles.