MMA Odds: Legends Sonnen and Ortiz Fight at Bellator

Chael Sonnen (-150) vs. Tito Ortiz (+120)

Two of the biggest characters in MMA history will face off at Bellator 170 on January 21st, 2017 in Inglewood, California. Notorious trash-talker Chael Sonnen (29-14-1) will make his Bellator debut against UFC Hall of famer Tito Ortiz (18-12-1).

Chael Sonnen established himself as one of the biggest draws in the UFC before flaming out with a two-year suspension over a failed drug test. Now, he returns to the octagon with a fight against one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history.

Ortiz has made a career fighting some of the biggest names in the UFC. He’s defeated hall of famer Ken Shamrock three times, along with wins against legends such as Wanderlei Silva, Vitor Belfort and Forrest Griffin.

But his best years are behind him. His last fight was in 2015 when he lost to Bellator light heavyweight champion Liam McGeary. On top of that, he’s only been able to win three of his last ten bouts. The last decade for Ortiz has been littered with big losses and few wins.

Sonnen’s last fight was back in 2013 when he lost to Rashad Evans in the first round. He’s had two middleweight title shots, but lost both to Anderson Silva. He’s also had one light heavyweight title shot, but also dropped that one. His last win was against Shogun Rua, who he submitted in the first round.

Both fighters made their start in college wrestling. They’re at their best when the fight is taken to the ground, and both have a high number of wins by submission to their name. It’s an exciting match-up, and will likely be the biggest fight in Bellator history.

The two veterans of the sport are nearing the end of their careers. Ortiz is 41 years old and has declared this will be his last fight. Sonnen is 39, and also nearing the end of his career. Ortiz has remained active inside the octagon for his entire career and still possesses a mean ground-and-pound. Sonnen is probably in better shape than Ortiz, but he will be suffering from some rust after a three-year absence.

Pick: Tito Ortiz (+120)

Photo credit: “by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:34, R1” by Martin Rhodes CC BY-SA 2.0 [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0], via Flickr.