Chael Sonnen claims he has no plans on returning to MMA as a fighter, but a new bit of information seems to indicate otherwise.
Sonnen's name has shown up in the UFC's United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) database, which is updated each week with recently tested fighters.
Sonnen retired from MMA and was suspended following two failed drug tests ahead of a planned UFC 175 bout against Wanderlei Silva. Sonnen has been on the shelf for two years since the suspension, which is now up.
Most UFC fighters are required by USADA to alert the company four months ahead of time if they plan on coming out of retirement to fight again, in order for USADA to ensure nothing taken while "retired" affects performance. Sonnen retired from the UFC before the policy started, but given his history, may have been mandated anyway.
Sonnen's last fight was a November 2013 loss to Rashad Evans at UFC 167. While promoting last Sunday's Submission Underground show, Sonnen said during several interviews that he planned on remaining retired.
Sonnen even said to many media outlets that he probably wouldn't come back if the USADA tests are as good as he remembers.
By Sean Ross Sapp
