Chael Sonnen vs Chuck Liddell? UFC vets may collide in Bellator MMA

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell, who also holds a place in the promotion’s hall of fame, is not ready to close the book on his mixed martial arts (MMA) career.

I’m sure walking away on a three-fight losing streak was a tough pill to swallow.

But while the unemployed “Iceman” won’t be given another shot inside the Octagon, he’s apparently got open arms waiting for him in Bellator MMA, where fellow legend (and former rival) Tito Ortiz went to ply his trade.

And they may now share a similar opponent.

That’s because former UFC middleweight title contender Chael Sonnen, who also does work at 205 pounds, is keeping himself (and his bank account) active under the Viacom umbrella, and believes he could be the first fighter to welcome Liddell to Spike TV.

"I think the most likely opponent is going to end up being Chuck Liddell," Sonnen told FloCombat. "We'll see what happens there, but that's what I think is going to happen. I think there are actual legs to this Chuck thing. I really do."

Sonnen (29-15-1) snapped a two-fight losing streak by turning away Wanderlei Silva at Bellator NYC last June. Liddell (21-8), meanwhile, hasn’t competed since a knockout loss to Rich Franklin at UFC 115 way back in 2010.

This potential pairing doing anything for you?