Report: Bellator Looking to Book Chael Sonnen vs. Lyoto Machida

Chael Sonnen vs. Lyoto Machida is close to being finalized for this summer. More: https://t.co/LnVsBG3udU

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 28, 2019

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In a few months, it will be time to say hello again to "The Bad Guy," as Bellator MMA is looking to book a bout between Chael Sonnen and Lyoto Machida this summer.

According to sources telling ESPN late Wednesday night, heavyweight tournament semifinalist Sonnen (30-16-1) will be dropping back down to light heavyweight to challenge former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight king Machida (25-8) at an unannounced event later this year. While no date or location has been announced, the promotion is reportedly considering scheduling this bout during the summer.

Three-time UFC title challenger Sonnen has had a tumultuous Bellator career so far, capturing decisions over Wanderlei Silva and Quinton Jackson but bookended by stoppage losses to Tito Ortiz, and most recently, a knockout loss to Fedor Emelianenko. All of Sonnen's losses dating back to 2004 have come by stoppage, but that majority decision loss to Keiichiro Yamamiya marked the only time he has lost on the scorecards -- among 18 decision wins and one draw.

Machida made his Bellator debut at Bellator 213, where he took a close split decision over former middleweight king Rafael Carvalho in December. Moving back up to the weight class where he made his name, it will be his first bout at light heavyweight since he dropped a decision to Phil Davis at UFC 163 in 2013. "The Dragon" is currently riding a three-fight win streak including a decision over Eryk Anders and a knockout of Vitor Belfort, and this streak is his longest since he began his career at 16-0.