UFC News: Mike Dolce Says Chael Sonnen Is 240 Pounds and Ripped

Former two-time UFC middleweight title challenger Chael Sonnen was massive at 185 pounds, so it should come as no shock that he has already bulked up for his return to the light heavyweight division.

On the Church of What's Happening Now podcast with Joey Diaz last week, famed dietitian Mike Dolce said that Sonnen currently weighs a whopping 240 pounds, yet still looks lean and mean. 

Dolce reaffirmed his statement in a Twitter interaction with a fan on Monday:

"

Yes. "@stubeii: @thedolcediet Hey Mr. Dolce. Just listened to you on Joey's podcast, is Chael really walking round at 240 and ripped? Damn!"

— Mike DOLCE (@TheDolceDiet) November 26, 2012"

While this is likely the heaviest Sonnen has ever been, Dolce told Sports Illustrated back in July, shortly after UFC 148, that "The American Gangster" actually weighed 218 when he stepped in the cage against Anderson Silva. 

After coming up short against "The Spider" for a second time in as many years, Sonnen decided to make the return to 205 pounds, a weight class he hasn't competed in since UFC 55 in October 2005. 

That didn't prevent the charismatic Team Quest standout from getting a title fight with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones on April 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. 

Of course, that's not until the two finish up head coaching opposite one another on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Putting on some extra size in preparation for a fight with "Bones" is probably a good move, as the young champion has a large enough frame to be considering a move to heavyweight in late 2013.