What promise did Chael Sonnen make to his father? Did Chael Sonnen keep his promise?

According to Chael Sonnen, he made a promise to his dad to win a world championship.

“When my Dad died the last thing I ever said to him. I said to him I’m going to beat Tito Ortiz and I’m going to win the world championship. That’s the only promise I never… that’s the only promise I never kept.” He said.

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Chael Sonnen did not keep his promise of going to win the world championship. However, he still intends to become a world champion.

Chael Sonnen made his UFC debut in a Light Heavyweight bout against former IFC Light Heavyweight Champion Renato Sobral at UFC 55. In May 2006, Chael Sonnen debuted for Bodog Fight and defeated Tim Credeur via TKO.

On January 21, 2017, Chael Sonnen made his promotional debut for  Bellator MMA in a light heavyweight match against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC Hall-of-Famer Tito Ortiz in the main event at Bellator 170.

Chael Sonnen announced his retirement from MMA in the post-fight interview after facing Lyoto Machida on June 14, 2019.