Tito Ortiz vs. Chael Sonnen Announced for Bellator 170: Comments, Reaction

Bellator will have perhaps the biggest night in its history on Jan. 21, when Tito Ortiz and Chael Sonnen headline Bellator 170 in Los Angeles.

Scott Coker, Bellator's president, announced the decision Tuesday on Twitter:

A former UFC light heavyweight champion, Ortiz is one of the most decorated MMA fighters in history. He was one of the cornerstones during the rise of UFC, making his debut at the promotion's 13th pay-per-view event. He went on to have a championship reign of more than three years but hasn't held a major championship since losing to Randy Couture back at UFC 44 in September 2003.

Sonnen, 39, will be making his return to the sport after a three-year retirement. He last fought Rashad Evans at UFC 167 and lost on a first-round TKO. The bout against Ortiz will be Sonnen's first fight with Bellator and his first since serving a two-year drug suspension.

Founded in 2008, Bellator will be holding its first event in Los Angeles' Staples Center. It previously held events in Anaheim's Honda Center and the Bren Events Center in Irvine, along with a number of other clashes across the California area. 

There is no word on who will comprise the undercard, but Ortiz-Sonnen will no doubt rank among the most high-profile in Bellator's history. 

The match carries more in name value than anything, as Sonnen and Ortiz were two of the most famous fighters in UFC during their time. Sonnen drew headlines for his WWE-style commentary—which at times bordered on too controversial—and left seemingly for good to start a career in broadcasting. 

Earlier this year, Sonnen re-upped his contract with ESPN as a UFC analyst. It's unclear how his return to the ring will affect his status with the company. His role may have played a part in SportsCenter receiving the first announcement of the fight. 

Sonnen never won a championship during his MMA career, and his three-year absence from the sport almost certainly makes him an underdog. Either way, it's a marquee moment for Bellator that should draw some extra eyeballs in January.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.