Adios, Chael Sonnen

UFC

After 17 years of kicking ass, getting his ass kicked, talking trash, selling pay-per-views and failing drug tests, UFC star Chael Sonnen has retired.

Here's Sonnen making the announcement on UFC Tonight last night:

Guys, I’ve had a great time. I want to thank coaches Roy Pittman and Dave Sanville and I want to thank my coach Clayton Hires. These guys taught me how to fight and they taught me how to set goals and work hard and persevere, and they stood by me. I want to thank FOX and the leadership at UFC. I want to think Bill Brady, who gave me a second wind. He’s a member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission and he believed in me when I really needed someone to believe in me. And I owe the second wind in my career to him. And I want to thank the single most important opponent I’ve ever had, I couldn’t have gotten where I am without the dance partner, Anderson Silva. Thank you for the opportunity and the memories. Thank you for the invitation to the barbecue. I want to officially announce my retirement from competitive mixed martial arts.

Love or hate him, you have to admit that he certainly made something of himself in this sport. And yeah, the whole TRT thing was a black mark, but there were times when Sonnen helped MMA become a lot more interesting.

Chael, you will be missed.