Onetime UFC Fighter Guilherme Vasconcelos Says Chael Sonnen Got Him WSOF Contract

Brazilian welterweight Guilherme Vasconcelos this week signed a contract to compete in the Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting, and the onetime UFC fighter says it’s all thanks to Chael Sonnen.

Vasconcelos told Sherdog.com that he received the news over the phone from Sonnen, his former coach on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil” who now serves as color commentator for WSOF.

“‘That’s what friends are for,’” Vasconcelos said. “That’s what Chael Sonnen told me when he called me saying that he got me a contract with WSOF, and I thanked him so much for that.”

Vasconcelos’ last fight was a controversial, split-decision loss to Marcio Santos on Sept. 12 in Vitoria, Brazil. The defeat snapped a four-fight winning streak which Vasconcelos had built up after his lone Octagon appear-ance, an upsetting prospect for a fighter looking to get back on the big stage.

“It was a tough moment in my life, and Sonnen called me and gave me important words of support,” said Vasconcelos. “He had already helped me in the UFC, and now he did it again. I truly hope I can make my de-but in December in Las Vegas on the same event where he will be the commentator.”

Originally from Belo Horizonte, Vasconcelos is now living in Nicaragua but soon plans to return to the U.S., where he lived and trained for two years.

“I’m improving my striking skills and teaching BJJ in the local MMA team,” Vasconcelos said. “Every new experience is making me a better fighter, and I’m working hard to put my name among the best of the division. I will not lose the chance to prove that in WSOF.”