Chael Sonnen vs. Tito Ortiz Headlines Bellator 170

Former UFC middleweight fighter and title contender Chael Sonnen claimed that he would be fighting former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz on Nov. 19 at Bellator 165. However, that’s not the case. Instead, they will fight in January.

Bellator MMA President Scott Coker announced on ESPN SportsCenter that Sonnen vs. Ortiz would be the main event of Bellator 170, which takes place on January 21st at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

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

Ortiz recently told Submission Radio that he would not be pushed to fight this year because he wanted Sonnen to get used to fighting at 205lb and “get off the steroids.”

“Chael called me out (for Nov. 19),” he said. “I’m the one who calls the shots – not him. We’ll fight in January. We’re not going to fight in November. I’m gonna give him some time to get used to being at his weight, off of steroids, so he can train through that time. I’m calling the shots, not Chael Sonnen. Yeah, he talks well, yeah he does his thing. But no, this is my weight class. I’m the one who calls the shots. Tito Ortiz is gonna call the shots. Chael Sonnen is going to have to wait until after the first of the year.”

Ortiz crossed the bridge to Bellator in 2014 and had gone 2-1 since joining the promotion. After straight wins over Alexander Shlemenko and Stephan Bonnar, Ortiz lost his bid at the light heavyweight title against Liam McGeary.

In his last five MMA bouts, Sonnen went 3-2 and lost his last bout to Rashad Evans back at UFC 167 by first-round TKO. After a string of failed drug tests in 2014, Sonnen was banned for two years by the Nevada Athletic Commission and has not fought since then.

It will be interesting to see how he manages a fellow experienced veteran like Ortiz.