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Sonnen to decide on retirement after 30 days' rest

Chael Sonnen has lost to Anderson Silva twice © Getty Images

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Chael Sonnen has revealed he will give himself 30 days before deciding whether he will continue to fight in the UFC.

Sonnen was beaten for a second time by middleweight champion Anderson Silva on Saturday, effectively ending his hopes of ruling the 185lb terrain while Silva remains the champion. The American has always said he would only fight if he was working towards a world title, which will not be the case for the immediate future.

In the aftermath to the fight Sonnen's coach Neil Melanson stated his belief that the southpaw may call time on his fighting career, but Sonnen insists he will not make any knee-jerk reactions.

"I don't think any athlete should begin to talk like that or think about that until you let about 30 days go by," Sonnen said on Fuel TV. "In anything in life, you don't want to make a decision based on emotion.

"You have highs and very big lows in this sport. You don't want to make any drastic decisions.

"I think that it's also an insult to the fans when guys like to come out and say, 'I'm retired!' When what they really mean is, 'I'll see everybody in 18 months, because I'm coming back.' I don't want to do that. But when I get to that point in my career, I'll make a statement, and I'll never look back."

Asked if his box-office personality, which often sees him play the 'heel', is geared towards a future in the WWE, Sonnen insists he has no interest in forging a career for himself in pro-wrestling.

"I tried to go to the WWE. It's in Vegas, on the 16th of this month, but I was leaving Vegas. I'd love to go to WWE. I'd love to get my popcorn. I'd cheer on CM Punk, but I go back to my promoter, Dana White, at the end of the night."

Sonnen also attempted to explain why he chose to throw a spinning back fist at the best striker in world MMA. It was something he struggled to justify.

"I really wish that I knew and I don't know," Sonnen said. "Listen, in fairness, had that landed, we'd all be talking about what a wonderful spinning punch it was. It didn't, I fell down like a doofus, and I've got to live with it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.