On today's loaded episode, Chael discusses: How Jon Jones returned in more ways than one last week (00:55) Opening odds in a title fight between Jones and heavyweight legend Stipe Miocic (10:30) Khabib Nurmagomedov's gracious offer to Ciryl Gane (25:22) Why Francis Ngannou doesn't have it all figured out like he thinks he does (34:27) Whether former flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko deserves an immediate title rematch against Alexa Grasso (48:30) Plus, Chael takes a look at a massive UFC b...
Mar 10, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 247
On the heels of UFC 285, Chael discusses the following on today's show: How Jon Jones won in more ways than one on Saturday night (00:30) What a matchup between Jones and former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic could look like (7:54) A UFC 285 cameo by Nick and Nate Diaz and how it relates to the future of Francis Ngannou (30:03) A welterweight fight that Chael MUST see (36:57) Claims that Bo Nickal cheated in his UFC debut and whether they hold any merit (45:15) Special thanks to this epis...
Mar 07, 2023•54 min•Ep. 246
On today's special Sunday show, Chael reacts to a dazzling night of fights at UFC 285! He discusses: Jon Jones making Ciryl Gane look silly en route to Jones winning the UFC heavyweight title Alexa Grasso's shocking upset of Valentina Shevchenko Shavkat Rakhmonov's impressive performance against Geoff Neal and which fight makes the most sense next for Shavkat (8:28) What Bo Nickal proved in his UFC debut and where the young phenom should go from here (17:10) For more #UFC285 reaction, come back ...
Mar 05, 2023•28 min•Ep. 245
The big moment is FINALLY here! Jon Jones is fighting for the first time in three years and on today's show, Chael is here to break down UFC 285 and all of its story lines, discussing: Jon Jones' weight gain and how it will affect his performance tomorrow night against Ciryl Gane (00:44) Gane's path to victory (11:44) Why Chael has "had it" with Francis Ngannou (31:05) The significance of Sergei Pavlovich serving as the backup fighter for the heavyweight title fight (37:55) Bo Nickal's long-awai...
Mar 03, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 244
It's fight week! On today's episode*, Chael discusses: The UFC 285 main event and how the heavyweight division could look after Saturday night (00:35) Conor McGregor defending himself against claims that he's brought in some of his own guys for 'The Ultimate Fighter' (9:05) If Chael thinks we'll get a rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski (17:32) Some clarity on Khamzat Chimaev (24:25) How much do we actually know about Shavkat Rakhmonov heading into his UFC 285 bout with Geo...
Feb 28, 2023•38 min•Ep. 243
Ahead of an action-packed weekend in combat sports, Chael discusses: Islam Makhachev's mother calling for the lightweight champion to step away from MMA (00:42) Why Chael thinks Conor McGregor shouldn't be posting videos of himself drunk at the TUF house (7:52) Who has more pressure on his shoulders: McGregor or Jon Jones? (15:16) Chael's inside scoop about a fight that's been offered to Khamzat Chimaev (31:06) Chael's official prediction for Sunday's boxing fight between Jake Paul and Tommy Fur...
Feb 24, 2023•47 min•Ep. 242
On today's episode, Chael talks about: Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones squashing their longstanding beef (00:43) An apparent Twitter agreement between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder (11:20) Why Chael isn't convinced Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 will actually happen next month in London (19:12) Alex Volkanovski's big mistake in the aftermath of his UFC 284 fight with Islam Makhachev (28:38) And more! Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify...
Feb 21, 2023•56 min•Ep. 241
On today's episode, Chael discusses: Why the UFC rankings committee deserves props for keeping Alexander Volkanovski as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter (00:37) Where we currently stand on making a rematch between Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev (13:24) A breakdown of the UFC 285 main event between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane (22:33) What's the WHY in the rematch between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya in April (29:17) Bo Nickal's nod to the greatness of Robert Whittaker (39:00) And more! Special...
Feb 17, 2023•55 min•Ep. 240
After having some time to digest what transpired at UFC 284, Chael is here to discuss the following: The ongoing pound-for-pound rankings debate and whether Alexander Volkanovski deserves to retain the No. 1 spot (00:49) If Volkanovski should get another crack at Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title (8:48) Why Chael believes Makhachev should fully embrace being a heel (15:23) Dan Hooker's Twitter tirade about Makhachev and whether Hooker's claims of cheating hold any water (22:56) Israel Ad...
Feb 14, 2023•48 min•Ep. 239
Just seconds after the end of UFC 284, Chael gives you his instant thoughts on a solid night of fights in Australia. On today's special episode, Chael tells you why he thinks there's a serious case to be made for Alexander Volkanovski winning the fight (00:35). And what's next for Islam Makhachev (9:56)? Plus, Yair Rodriguez leaves Chael feeling vindicated (17:25). Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com * Check out Shopify and use my cod...
Feb 12, 2023•27 min•Ep. 238
Now that we're just one day away from one of the biggest fights in recent memory, Chael has a lot to get off his chest. On today's episode, Chael discusses: If we should believe Dana White when he says UFC 284 will break PPV records (00:52) Why Michael Chandler deserves more credit for how he navigates his career (10:27) Where does Kevin Lee fit into all of this? (28:56) Khamzat Chimaev's callout of Robert Whittaker and why Chael believes Chimaev needs to choose a persona and stick to it (39:00)...
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 237
Back in his lavish home studio, Chael is here to bring you the best analysis in all of MMA. On today's episode, he discusses: Conor McGregor's "ultimate" training camp which will prepare him for a welterweight bout with Michael Chandler later this year (00:54) If Sean O'Malley will one day regret signing his new lucrative eight-fight deal with the UFC (10:13) What's really at stake (if anything) in a fight between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury (19:55) Why Chael believes Fedor Emelianenko is the...
Feb 07, 2023•54 min•Ep. 236
On today's episode, Chael tells you why he's upset that everyone is counting out Alexander Volkanovski against Islam Makhachev. Then, the legendary Muhammad Lawal (King Mo) joins Chael in the car to talk about Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou, the heavyweight division, Khamzat Chimaev, and King Mo's memories of fighting Jiri Prochazka. Fitbod: Fitbod.me/CHAEL for 25% off Rhone: R hone.com/CHAEL for 20 % off Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.c...
Feb 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 235
In this Wednesday edition of the program, Chael discusses: A phone call Chael received from Jake Paul regarding Paul's upcoming fight with Tommy Fury (00:42) Conor McGregor's honorable handling of a near-death situation last week (9:04) Ahead of UFC 284, is it fair to say that Alexander Volkanovski is the most underrated fighter of all time? (15:19) The announcements of Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 4 (27:07) and Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal (34:56) And more! Fitbod: Fitbod.me/CHAEL for 2...
Feb 01, 2023•49 min•Ep. 234
On today's episode, Chael discusses: Fuzziness in the light heavyweight division and whether UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira should move up a division to fight Jamahal Hill (10:18) Luke Rockhold's release from the UFC and where he might land now that Rockhold wants to return to fighting (19:36) Chael's issues with Rockhold and Francis Ngannou, and how the two former champions relate to U.S. President Joe Biden (25:42) Coach John Kavanagh's guarantee that Conor McGregor will return in 2023...
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 233
With much to discuss in the aftermath of UFC 283 and the lead-up to UFC 284, Chael talks about the following on today's episode: Jamahal Hill's inspiring road to becoming UFC light heavyweight champion (00:43) Chael's unlikely pick for who Hill should fight in his first title defense (9:18) Some mysterious details surrounding Jiri Prochazka's shoulder injury that Chael can't wrap his mind around (17:58) The lightweight title picture and how Charles Oliveira can get himself back into it (27:09) T...
Jan 24, 2023•47 min•Ep. 232
Seconds after the end of UFC 283, Chael takes to his YouTube channel to offer instant reaction to a great night of fights. In this special episode, Chael talks about Glover Teixeira's unique career coming to an end, if Alex Pereira will move up to light heavyweight to avenge the loss of his mentor, the Brazilian fans, what's next for Gilbert Burns, Chael's favorite fighter, and much more, including questions from fans! Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: htt...
Jan 22, 2023•28 min•Ep. 231
In one of the best episodes of the program to date, Chael discusses: His reaction to Ariel Helwani's Tuesday interview with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou (00:44) Another mishandled situation by Chael's old friend, Jon Jones (23:08) The booking of Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili ... in March! (33:32) Why Chael isn't buying that Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury will actually happen (38:50) Glover Teixeira's unlikely journey to tomorrow's title fight with Jamahal Hill at UFC 283 (1:03:54) ...
Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 230
It's UFC 283 week! But this episode is all about the news that rocked the MMA world this weekend. Today, Chael dives into: Francis Ngannou's shocking decision to leave the UFC and his heavyweight title behind (00:56) What Ngannou might do next (13:36) The booking of Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the UFC 285 main event in March, as well as Stipe Miocic breaking his silence to call dibs on the winner (24:19) His frustration with Paddy Pimblett following the announcement of Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael...
Jan 17, 2023•55 min•Ep. 229
It's officially fight week again! On today's episode, Chael discusses: Reports that Khabib Nurmagomedov is set to leave MMA for good so that he can spend more time with his family (00:37) Why Chael believes Daniel Cormier is wrong to claim that Alexander Volkanovski defeating Islam Makhachev next month would be the biggest upset in MMA history (9:19) Dustin Poirier's comeback for Beneil Dariush, who said that Poirier should consider retiring if The Diamond continues to duck rising contenders (19...
Jan 10, 2023•52 min•Ep. 228
In a big week of MMA news, Chael discusses: PFL's signing of Jake Paul and how the YouTube star might fare in an MMA fight with free agent Nate Diaz (00:44) The re-booking of Shavkat Rakhmonov and Geoff Neal (18:38) Why Belal Muhammad is to be feared in the UFC's welterweight division (23:53) Betting lines for a potential future fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones (31:38) Plus, Chael gives you his pick for the most intimidating fighter in MMA history (39:34). Presented by: Fitbod - Fitbo...
Jan 06, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 227
In the first episode of 2023, Chael discusses: If BJJ king Gordon Ryan should make the transition to MMA (00:45) Kamaru Usman's hand injury and what it means for his hopes of getting a welterweight title rematch in March (18:11) How Jorge Masvidal can revive his career (24:49) Silence at the top of the heavyweight division (35:15) And more. Presented by: Fitbod - Fitbod.me/CHAEL Rocket Money - Rocketmoney.com/chael Athletic Greens- AthleticGreens.com/Chael Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and u...
Jan 03, 2023•57 min•Ep. 226
In the final episode of another stellar year for the podcast, Chael discusses: Kevin Lee wanting to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov (00:38) How can we make Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev happen? (7:10) Chito Vera's recent comments about weight cutting and why he considers it to be "cheating" (17:33) The glory days of Pride FC and how they compare to the UFC (27:14) Plus, Dillon Danis stops by to talk about his upcoming boxing fight with KSI, his beef with Ariel Helwani, the UFC 229 melee, if/when he'l...
Dec 30, 2022•49 min•Ep. 225
On today's episode, Chael discusses: The announcement of Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen and what this means for the bantamweight title picture (00:37) Whether the MMA world should be shocked if Alexander Volkanovski dethrones Islam Makhachev in February (9:02) Why Khamzat Chimaev needs to choose a weight class and stick to it (18:52) One of Chael's new favorite middleweight fighters, as well as whether Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 is truly the right title fight to make at 185 (28:16) Prese...
Dec 27, 2022•47 min•Ep. 224
In one of the final episodes of 2022, Chael discusses: The best comeback by a fighter during a fight this year (12:25) Jon Anik's strong thoughts on the current state of MMA judging (23:28) Paulo Costa's comments this week following the cancellation of his UFC 284 bout with Robert Whittaker (34:06) Sean O'Malley's new approach to training (43:16) Latest thoughts on if/when we will see Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz for the third time (51:23) Presented by: Dave, Rhone Upgrade your closet with Rhone...
Dec 23, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 223
Douglas Crosby is perhaps the most well-known judge in MMA, and he's made the headlines a lot recently due to his controversial scoring of the Dec. 9 Bellator fight between Danny Sabatello and Raufeon Stotts, as well as the Paddy Pimblett-Jared Gordon fight at UFC 282 the following night. And in this special Wednesday edition of the program, Crosby joins his friend Chael to weigh in on all of this, discussing things like: The judges never having the opportunity to speak to the public about their...
Dec 21, 2022•38 min•Ep. 222
On today's episode, Chael discusses: Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland, the scorecards, and where we go from here at middleweight (00:42) Gordon Ryan's jiu jitsu match with Nicky Rodriguez at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational this past weekend (10:05) Conor McGregor's slap fighting proposal to Nate Diaz, as well as McGregor's claim that he could fight at 185 lbs. (25:45) Sean O'Malley's thoughts on comparisons between himself and Paddy Pimblett (34:27) Presented by: Dave, Rhone Upgrade your clos...
Dec 20, 2022•45 min•Ep. 221
In the final episode of a loaded week for the podcast, Chael discusses: Continued debate over the controversial scorecards in last weekend's Paddy Pimblett vs. Jared Gordon fight (00:45) If Jamahal Hill has what it takes to beat former light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira next month (11:36) Chael's plan for UFC 283 which involves not one, but TWO backup fighters (20:26) Advice for how Darren Till can get his MMA career back on track (32:23) Nick Diaz apparently wanting a fight with Israel ...
Dec 16, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 220
With a little more time to marinate on what he witnessed at UFC 282, Chael discusses the following on today's podcast: Why he feels Jan Blachowicz defeated Magomed Ankalaev in Saturday's main event (00:35) Dana White said the main event was "terrible," but was it actually? And what should Anthony Smith do now that he's left without an opponent? (13:54) Takeaways from Paddy Pimblett's performance that have Chael thinking Pimblett could still reach the highest levels the sport has to offer (29:20)...
Dec 13, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 219
In this special Sunday edition of the podcast, Chael gives you some of the immediate thoughts he had following UFC 282 on Saturday night. He discusses: Jan Blachowicz completely butchering the post-fight interview after a fight that Chael thought he won (00:32) Dana White's announcement of another vacant light heavyweight title fight between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill (19:52) Paddy Pimblett's display of skill and toughness against Jared Gordon and why, despite the controversial decision, t...
Dec 11, 2022•44 min•Ep. 218
