You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen

With UFC Kansas City in the books, Ian Machado Garry’s win over Carlos Prates has earned him the spot as the backup fighter for UFC 315. I'll tell you why Machado Garry still concerns me, and what I make of Joaquin Buckley's appearance at his weigh-in. Then, Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 is set for UFC 318 in a battle for the BMF title (which I told you about a month ago). Also, my reaction to...

On today’s episode, I break the news that Tom Aspinall will face Ciryl Gane — not Jon Jones — for the for the interim heavyweight title (again). Then, a trusted source tells me that Justin Gaethje will get the next shot at Islam Makhachev, not Ilia Topuria. And, Dricus Du Plessis broke his silence on Twitter, telling the public that he has a fight announcement coming soon. Next, how is Nassourdine...

Paddy Pimblett reportedly gained 40 pounds after his UFC 314 win?! On today's episode, I break down how that’s even possible. Then, I explain why I'm uncomfortable with the conversation around Conor McGregor’s alleged cocaine use. And, I’ve got an update on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, including Aspinall saying he’s been “sworn to secrecy." Also, if Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev is off the...

On today's episode, I break down the confusing lightweight title picture, and explain why I think Islam Makhachev needs to fight Ilia Topuria. Then, some people are discrediting Paddy Pimblett’s win last weekend by saying Michael Chandler just isn’t that good anymore — I’ll give you my take.  Next, I might have to walk back what I said about Alexander Volkanovski looking old while reclaiming the f...

I’m back from UFC 314! And after Alexander Volkanovski won the vacant featherweight title over Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev called him out for a title shot — but I don’t see that matchup as main event material. Then, following his impressive win over Michael Chandler, people are wondering if Paddy Pimblett could become an even bigger star than Conor McGregor. I’ll share my thoughts on that and altho...

On today’s episode, I introduce you to the newest addition to the UFC: Aaron Pico! Then, I went back and rewatched Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili, and I think it was a lot closer than you might remember. Also, my reaction to Carlos Prates smoking four cigarettes at once—is it just for attention, or is there a real problem here? Then, as we gear up for UFC 314 in Miami this Saturday night, I’l...

On today’s episode, Ben Askren says Sean O’Malley made a huge mistake accepting a rematch with Merab Dvalishvili—but I’ll tell you where I disagree, and what’s going to be different this time around. Then, after spending plenty of time trying to figure out the right next opponent for Ilia Topuria, I’m turning the question over to the listeners—who should he fight next? Meanwhile, with reports that...

On today’s episode, I tell you why I love the booking of Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley 2, and why I think it'll be different this time around. Then, I talk about Ian Machado Garry's decision to step in on short notice against Carlos Prates, and why I believe it's a massive fight for each guy. Meanwhile, Mateusz Gamrot says he's the backup fighter for Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett next...

On today’s episode, it's clearer now more than ever that Conor McGregor's time is done with the UFC. Then, Ilia Topuria claims the UFC has promised him a lightweight title fight -- do I believe that? And, both Topuria and Charles Oliveira want a crack at Islam Makhachev next—but I'd rather see Oliveira vs. Topuria for the No. 1 contender fight. Elsewhere, Joe Pyfer isn't happy about the food poiso...

Fresh off defeating Leon Edwards at UFC London, I’m wondering if a title shot is next for Sean Brady. Then, my rare interview with Charles Oliveira (translated by Gabriel Checco) where we discuss what’s really going on between Oliveira and Ilia Topuria. Plus, I explain why I agree with Oliveira’s claim that he deserves a shot at Islam Makhachev’s title. After that, PFL's Donn Davis tweeted at Jon...

On today’s episode, Tom Aspinall says Jon Jones needs to either fight him or retire, which leads me to remind you that Jones hasn’t actually turned down the fight. Then, Conor McGregor says he wants to run for Ireland's highest political offer, while also hinting at a UFC return. I'll tell you why I think it's possible he can do both. Plus, BKFC's new "Ice Wars," which feature hockey-style fightin...

On today’s episode, Jon Jones wants six months to prepare for Tom Aspinall, but what exactly does he mean by that? Plus, Aspinall’s father is furious with Jones' request, and I'll explain why the UFC won't consider any of his concerns. Then, Dricus Du Plessis is thanking Magomed Ankalaev for taking away what he calls “the biggest payday of my life." But would a fight with Alex Pereira actually be...

On today’s episode, Arman Tsarukyan is dismissing Paddy Pimblett, but I'll tell you why it's really a compliment in disguise. Then, Jon Anik suggested says Justin Gaethje should be next in line for Islam Makhache ... is he right? Plus, Rafael Fiziev wants to move to 145 lbs., and I’ll tell you why history shows that move wouldn't do him any favors. Plus, Magomed Ankalaev has finally done something...

On today’s episode, I break down down everything I saw Saturday night at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. I have plenty to say about Magomed Ankalaev’s win over Alex Pereira, and why Ankalaev deserves full credit for his performance. And what the heck happened to Pereira? Then, Justin Gaethje’s victory over Rafael Fiziev showed me just how tough Gaethje really is, and it's why I want to see him back in the c...

On today’s episode, I get you ready for this weekend's UFC 313 showdown in Las Vegas. I’ve witnessed some training sessions up close and personal and I have to say ... Alex Pereira’s preparation is something special. And while I’m hesitant to choose a winner in the main event, Alexander Volkanovski makes no hesitation with his. I'm also liking what I’m hearing from both Rafael Fiziev and Justin Ga...

On today’s episode, I dive into Alex Pereira coming into fight week 22 pounds overweight, and why I’d love to see him make the move to heavyweight after UFC 313. Then, Justin Gaethje is the betting underdog against Rafael Fiziev—does that surprise you? I also have no reason to believe Dustin Poirier will hang up the gloves any time soon based on the things he's saying recently. And with talks of J...

On today’s episode, Rafael Fiziev steps up on short notice to replace Dan Hooker at UFC 313 against Justin Gaethje. While Fiziev said yes, Gaethje is also revealing the names that said no - including Dustin Poirier. Then, I tell you why it was a dirty move for Chris Eubank Jr. to slap Conor Benn in the face with an egg. Plus, Francis Ngannou admits he wasn’t fully confident before the Tyson Fury f...

On today’s episode, I look back at UFC Seattle. Why does Brendan Allen keep losing, and how can he get back on track? Then, I give my take on the eye poke that led to the unceremonious end to Song Yadong's defeat of Henry Cejudo, and I tell you how I think the UFC should I’ll share my thoughts on how the UFC should handle eye pokes. And how the heck did Anthony Hernandez end up with the nickname ‘...

On today’s episode, I react to a slew of breaking news! Ilia Topuria has vacated his featherweight title, and I explain why I respect him for making the move. Then, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes will fight for vacant belt, and I tell you what excites me most about this fight. Also, with Shavkat Rakhmonov unable to fight at UFC 315, I give my thoughts on Jack Della Maddalena stepping in as...

On today’s episode, I return to mid-December when Gilbert Burns gave me an early Christmas present by posting my phone number online because I claimed he was retired. So, I take your calls and texts (while learning how to group-FaceTime) and try to figure out whether Burns is retired, and what his next matchup should be if he isn’t. To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcas...

On today’s episode, I talk about Eric Nicksick's criticism of Sean Strickland’s “uninspiring” performance at UFC 312. Then, Nate Diaz called me, and he told me he wants back with the UFC. Plus, Stipe Miocic claims Francis Ngannou would beat Jon Jones, but does the MMA math back him up? And finally, Dana White gets challenged by the Pillow Fighting Championship, and Paddy Pimblett wants to welcome...

On today’s episode, I recap UFC 312, and I tell you why I’m pumping the brakes on calling Zhang Weili the best fighter in the UFC following her impressive win over Tatiana Suarez. Plus, just how good is Dricus du Plessis after his dominant over Sean Strickland? And with DDP's callout of Alex Pereira after the fight, I can't help but wonder whether that was the right move for the middleweight champ...

On today’s episode, I break down why now is the perfect time for Israel Adesanya to retire. Then, I give my thoughts on Conor McGregor spitting on a fan in Las Vegas after getting taunted. Plus, whoever leaked Kevin Lee’s training footage owes him an apology. And why is Ilia Topuria so eager to fight Islam Makhachev? Then, the UFC 312 press conference was one of the nastiest ones I’ve ever seen. A...

On today’s episode, I react to what we saw this past weekend at UFC Saudi Arabia, including my issue with Michael ‘Venom’ Page being the underdog in his win over Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov, and why I don’t envy the position that Israel Adesanya finds himself in after losing to Nassourdine Imavov. Plus, Dana White said he will explore other options if they can’t make Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall happen...

On today’s episode, I’ll explain why I’m mad about Jake and Logan Paul’s most recent publicity stunt. Then, former rivals Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya are friends now ... do we like that? And, Adesanya says his legacy is cemented -- I’ll tell you whether I agree with him. Also, Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov states the obvious, Alex Pereira is cornering Sean Strickland at UFC 312, and talks of J...