Gallery Lyoto Machida def. Chael Sonnen at Bellator 222: Best photos view 12 images

(This story first appeared in Monday’s USA TODAY.)

Bellator 222 lived up to its billing as one of the cornerstone events in the mixed martial arts promotion’s history. More than anything, though, it may be remembered as the night two notable fighters made crucial career choices.

Chael Sonnen (30-17-1 MMA, 2-3 BMMA) and Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 2-2), both 42 and two of the biggest names on Bellator’s roster, made opposite decisions about their fighting futures.

Sonnen, who lost to Lyoto Machida by second-round TKO in the co-main event of Friday’s Bellator 222 at Madison Square Garden in New York, opted to retire after falling short in the light heavyweight title eliminator.

“It’s somebody else’s turn,” Sonnen told USA TODAY Sports. “You’ve got to be tough in this sport. I feel like I used all of my toughness up. There were some positions in there that, before in my career, I would have walked right through them.”

Sonnen’s retirement marks a loss in star power for Bellator. The three-time UFC title challenger is among the most captivating characters MMA has ever seen, but he admitted his time for active competition has passed after more than 22 years of putting on the gloves.

Although Sonnen will remain part of the Bellator family as a commentator and analyst, he said he “used to have more grit, and I just felt like maybe I fired my last bullet.”

That’s not the case for Emelianenko, who was knocked out in a fight for the vacant Bellator heavyweight title six months ago. The quick and definitive nature of the loss opened the door for retirement, but “The Last Emperor” vetoed that option.

Emelianenko is among the most successful heavyweights the sport has seen, and just minutes before Sonnen announced his retirement, Bellator president Scott Coker revealed the Russian’s commitment to stick around.

A new multi-year, multi-fight “farewell tour” contract was signed by Emelianenko, and he intends to close out his career in the Bellator cage.

“My strong friendship and respect for Scott Coker made reaching a contract extension a simple process,” Emelianenko said. “Bellator is my home – I look forward to helping Bellator continue to grow and reach its full potential as the world’s top MMA promotion.”

Whether Emelianenko fulfills the entirety of his contract will seemingly depend on the outcome of his fights. His presence for the time being is something that bolsters the Bellator brand, even if it’s impossible to fill the void left behind by Sonnen when it comes to generating interest in a fight.

Emelianenko’s time to walk away doesn’t appear far off, but just like Sonnen, Coker said he’s happy to promote the final chapter of a historic career.

“(Fedor) is someone I consider a friend in this business and am even more pleased that he has decided to finish his storied career with Bellator,” Coker said. “As his time in the sport winds down, I am happy to see him close out his career on his own terms.”

For complete coverage of Bellator 222, check out the MMA Events section of the site.