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
One day before the final UFC pay-per-view of the year, Chael is here to bring you all the latest in another crazy week of mixed martial arts news. On today's episode, he discusses: TJ Dillashaw pulling his name from the USADA pool and what this tells us for the futures of both him and Conor McGregor (00:46) A viral back-and-forth exchange between Paddy Pimblett and Ariel Helwani that got very contentious this week (16:07) Whether Pimblett's constant bragging about money is making him unlikable (...
Dec 09, 2022•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 217
After an entertaining UFC Orlando card, Chael is here to break down the action. On today's show, Chael discusses: The big mistake Kevin Holland made in his loss to Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson on Saturday (00:42) Sergei Pavlovich's critical error made in his jaw-dropping performance against Tai Tuivasa (11:40) If Francis Ngannou has now lost leverage with the emergence of Pavlovich (26:28) Jake Paul's challenge to Paddy Pimblett (41:02) PR advice for The Liver King following last week's apology ...
Dec 06, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 216
In a drama-filled episode, Chael discusses: Conflicting stories about a rumored fight between Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev, and who we should believe (9:02) Alex Pereira's warrior-like persona and how it showed out at UFC 281 (24:18) Whether Glover Teixeira "got screwed" in the whole UFC 282 mess (36:32) Legal issues between former friends Conor McGregor and Artem Lobov (49:09) Is a fight between Paddy Pimblett and McGregor actually as compelling as you think it is? (1:03:40) Plus, Aljamain ...
Dec 02, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 215
A few days removed from the seismic news concerning changes to UFC 282, Chael is here to break it all down. On today's episode, The Bad Guy discusses: Why you, the fans, don't really care about Prochazka-Teixeira 2 getting called off (00:42) An unprecedented situation for Jiri Prochazka and why we need to be paying closer attention to it (11:07) If ring rust will severely hurt Jon Jones in his heavyweight debut that's allegedly targeted for March 2023 (21:55) How Conor McGregor is getting in his...
Nov 29, 2022•56 min•Ep. 214
*This episode was recorded prior to the announcement about the changes to UFC 282. More on that next week! Chael returns from vacation to bring the following stories to you guys: Alex Pereira's massive weight gain in the hours leading up to his UFC 281 title victory over Israel Adesanya two weeks ago (00:49) The UFC looking at making Jon Jones and Curtis Blaydes for UFC 285 in March (9:18) Paulo Costa's negotiations with the UFC for next year's fight with Robert Whittaker (29:46) Rumors of the U...
Nov 25, 2022•56 min•Ep. 213
Still drunk on the madness that was UFC 281, Chael discusses: How Israel Adesanya could have used Alex Pereira's own psychology against him last Saturday night (00:42) Comparisons between Pereira and welterweight champion Leon Edwards (11:32) Advice to Robert Whittaker (24:42) Who Dustin Poirier should fight next following his win over Michael Chandler (30:23) If we aren't giving Pereira enough credit for defeating Adesanya (46:40) Presented by: Dave Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and use my ...
Nov 18, 2022•58 min•Ep. 212
Two days after one of the most unforgettable nights of the year in New York City, Chael discusses: His immediate thoughts from Saturday night following the end of Adesanya vs. Pereira at UFC 281 (00:49) The bloodbath between Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier (13:48) One of his favorite stories from his time spent with Anthony "Rumble" Johnson (23:06) Is Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev the next middleweight title fight to make? (49:08) Plus, the lightweight title fight is booked (58:35) and more. O...
Nov 15, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 211
With UFC 281 finally here, Chael discusses: The "secret" that Israel Adesanya has in store for Alex Pereira in tomorrow night's main event (23:31) Why Michael Chandler deserves props ahead of his fight with Dustin Poirier (32:17) What's really at stake between Chandler and Poirier (43:07) His official prediction for Adesanya vs. Pereira (51:37) Plus, Chael gauges interest in Jake Paul vs. Andrew Tate (00:42). Presented by: NetSuite & DraftKings* * If you or someone you know has a gambling pr...
Nov 11, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 210
On today's episode, Chael looks back on the weekend that was and also looks forward to the big weekend ahead! He discusses: A budding scandal in the world of UFC betting (00:50) Neil Magny's historic weekend that no one knows about (9:28) Belal Muhammad's thoughts on Colby Covington's place in the welterweight division (22:02) Alex Pereira's abnormally fast rise to the middleweight title fight, which takes place on Saturday at UFC 281 in New York City (30:15) And more! Presented by: NetSuite &am...
Nov 08, 2022•54 min•Ep. 209
In another wonderful episode of the best podcast in combat sports, Chael discusses: Who the fans want Jake Paul to fight next (00:42) Why we need to stop criticizing TJ Dillashaw for fighting hurt at UFC 280 (10:49) Robert Whittaker's thoughts on why fighting Khamzat Chimaev would end poorly for Colby Covington (31:19) What we'll know about Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira after next weekend's UFC 281 main event (38:17) A viral video of Zhang Weili picking up Francis Ngannou (48:35) Plus, a clas...
Nov 04, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 208
After a big weekend in combat sports, Chael discusses: Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva and why Chael thinks it's possibly the best boxing fight he's ever seen (00:52) Henri Hooft's thoughts on the mental side of Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira at next weekend's UFC 281 (12:13) Darren Till's cryptic photo (25:29) How Jon Jones hasn't changed during his layoff from the sport (36:19) And more. Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com * Check ou...
Nov 01, 2022•48 min•Ep. 207
On today's episode, Chael discusses: If any lightweight contenders can beat Islam Makhachev and how Charles Oliveira can make his way back to the title (00:36) Sean O'Malley's rise to the No. 1 contender spot in the bantamweight rankings (10:40) The right weight class for Khamzat Chimaev and rumors of him fighting Colby Covington next year (21:10) A report of USADA testing Jiri Prozachka an INSANE number of times in the past month (29:53) If we should give up hope on seeing Jon Jones make his he...
Oct 28, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 206
UFC 280 delivered! And on today's show, Chael discusses: If Saturday night was Aljamain Sterling's biggest moment yet (00:48) Why Sean O'Malley deserves credit for not only how he fought, but also for how he handled himself after his win over Petr Yan (9:12) Islam Makhachev's lightweight title win, where Oliveira went wrong, and the appearance of Alexander Volkanovski after the fight (15:18) What kind of title reign Makhachev will have (26:50) If Henry Cejudo will swoop in for a bantamweight tit...
Oct 25, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 205
UFC 280 is FINALLY here and on this special Thursday night edition of the show, Chael discusses: A killer prelim welterweight fight between Belal Muhammad and the undefeated Sean Brady (00:42) Why Saturday's fight is an absolute must-win for Beneil Dariush against the rising Mateusz Gamrot (9:42) What Sean O'Malley must do to get past former bantamweight champion Petr Yan (18:20) How Charles Oliveira can silence the doubters and defeat Islam Makhachev (27:15) Plus, some more thoughts on Oliveira...
Oct 20, 2022•59 min•Ep. 204
A few days out from a must-see UFC 280, Chael discusses: Why the public doesn't view Islam Makhachev in the same way it views Khamzat Chimaev (9:20) Michael Bisping's claim that Charles Oliveira is the lightweight GOAT if he defeats Makhachev (17:38) The UFCs interest in booking Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones as the main event of UFC 282 (25:29) Jorge Masvidal's pursuit of a welterweight title shot vs. Leon Edwards (41:06) Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: htt...
Oct 18, 2022•52 min•Ep. 203
In a great week of MMA news, Chael discusses: Alexander Volkanovski's decision to be the backup fighter for next week's UFC 280 title fight (00:43) Charles Oliveira's proclamation that he's ready to "shock the world" by defeating Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title (12:53) What a win against Petr Yan would look like for Sean O'Malley (29:58) The newly announced UFC 282 light heavyweight fight between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev (53:00) Will we ever see Jon Jones fight again? (1:03:...
Oct 14, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 202
After a rare off weekend for the UFC, Chael discusses: If people are right to doubt Charles Oliveira so much heading into his UFC 280 title fight against Islam Makhachev (00:42) Whether any prominent UFC lightweights will step up to fight Paddy Pimblett at UFC 282 (13:33) How a matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Bo Nickal might turn out (22:04) Some MMA manager-on-manager drama (29:14) Why aren't any welterweights not named Kamaru Usman trying to fight Leon Edwards for the title next year (42:0...
Oct 11, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 201
On today's episode, Chael discusses: Kevin Holland's decision to come out of "retirement" to face Wonderboy Thompson in a main event in December (00:37) Conor McGregor's vow to fight again at welterweight (9:55) How Jorge Masvidal has gone SOFT (20:38) Some betting line movement for the UFC 280 main event between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev (30:51) If Sean O'Malley's skills are sharp enough to beat Petr Yan (38:36) Bo Nickal telling Ariel Helwani that he will only agree to fight on the ...
Oct 07, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 200
