As we reported a little over an hour ago, Chael Sonnen has retired from mixed martial arts. His heartfelt statement via UFC Tonight, was filled with gratitude for a variety of people, and rounded out by the man who helped make his legacy, Anderson Silva. Here's what he had to say:
I want to take an opportunity to officially announcement my retirement from competitive mixed martial arts. I had a great time. I want to thank Roy Pittman. I want to thank Dave Sandal. I want to thank my coach Clayton Hires. These guys taught me how fight, they taught me how to persevere and they stood by me through thick and thin.
I want to thank FOX, I want to thank the leadership of the UFC. I want to thank a man named Bill Brady, who gave me a second wind if you will. He's a member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission and he believed in me at a time when I really needed somebody too, and I owe the second wind of my career to him. I am proud to call him a friend. I also want to thank the most important opponent I've ever had. I couldn't have got here without this dance partner, and that is of course you, Anderson Silva. Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for the memories, thank you for the invitation to the barbeque, even though I didn't take you up on it.
We'll keep our readers up to date with more information on this story as we receive it.