The World Series of Fighting on Tuesday hired ex-UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen as an analyst for its NBC Sports Network television broadcasts. He will debut in his new job on Sept. 18 for WSOF 23 from Phoenix, when Justin Gaethje defends his lightweight belt in a rematch against Luis Palomino.
Sonnen's broadcast career began while he was still an active fighter in the UFC, not long after the UFC began its deal with Fox in 2012. Sonnen was the host of UFC Tonight and became very popular for his in-studio work.
But Sonnen failed multiple drug tests prior to a planned fight last year in Las Vegas against Wanderlei Silva, and lied about it repeatedly. Both the UFC and Fox cut ties with him.
In November, ESPN hired Sonnen to serve as a part-time MMA analyst. He's done studio analysis on all of the big fights since the deal was done.
Sonnen praised the WSOF and the quality of its fighters in a statement.
“I am stoked to join the powerhouse team at World Series of Fighting, and call their fights that feature some of the best mixed martial artists on the planet,” Sonnen said. “World Series of Fighting has done an outstanding job of building their organization into a top-tier franchise in a very short span of time, and I am just proud to be a part of such a fast-growing company."
Chael Sonnen signs deal to serve as MMA analyst on WSOF broadcasts | Cagewriter - Yahoo Sports
