We have new footage of the unforgettable UFC 229 fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor! I discuss that on today's episode, plus McGregor's guarantee to Michael Chandler that they'll face off later this year. Plus, I give you my thoughts on the latest Jon Jones drama, potential matchups for The Sphere card, and has Valentina Shevchenko silently pulled out of the trilogy fight with Alexa Grasso? The following time codes are approximate: The new Khabib vs. Conor footage (00:00) Conor...
Jul 16, 2024•57 min•Ep. 379
I've got a MEGA-episode for you all today! In this special program, I talk about Dana White's MASSIVE UFC 306 expenses, Michael Chandler making Dustin Poirier mad, and I give you my response to Joe Pyfer's criticism of MMA fans. Plus, I lay out Nate Diaz's path back to the UFC, I wonder whether Israel Adesanya will ever be the same, and I even talk about Adesanya's old friend, Darren Till. In addition to getting you up to date on the Friendly Hacker, I also weigh in on something Joe Rogan said a...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 378
I'm back in the studio this week, and I've got an incredible episode coming up for you all today if I do say so myself. I begin by giving you my thoughts on the Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal boxing fight, which went way better than I expected it to. Then, I tell you why I have questions surrounding WBC's decision to expel Ryan Garcia. After that, I talk about Alex Pereira's back-and-forth with Anthony Joshua, as well as an old foe who wants a piece of Pereira. I also defend Stipe Miocic, who spok...
Jul 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 377
Happy Friday! I'm at home today enjoying life on the outdoor patio, but Uncle Chael has managed to come through for you again on today's episode, where I begin by telling you about what happened with my Twitter account earlier this week. Then, I talk about Michael Chandler's statement that UFC has offered him a title shot against Islam Makhachev. Is it legit? And if so, what does this tell us about Conor McGregor's future? I also pay homage to the great Andrei Arlovski before closing with that T...
Jul 05, 2024•45 min•Ep. 376
I'm on the road, but I've still got a brand new UFC 303 reaction episode out for you all today! I cover Alex Pereira's knockout of Jiri Prochazka and what could be in store for the champion. Then, I get into the STUD moves from Diego Lopes and Dan Ige, as well as why I believe Anthony Smith won even in defeat on Saturday night. I also discuss the latest twists and turns in the cursed Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight. The following time codes are approximate: What makes Alex Pereira so s...
Jul 02, 2024•46 min•Ep. 375
I'm off in Las Vegas for UFC 303 and to celebrate the occasion, I've got a mega-episode today! I begin by talking about all of the behind-the-scenes things involved with the Arman Tsarukyan suspension. Then, I talk about the 185 lb. title picture and a recent training video I saw of Sean Strickland. Plus, I explain why Conor McGregor's hurt "toe" could prevent him from re-booking the fight with Michael Chandler. In addition to all of that, I give you my official predictions for the three best fi...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 374
It's UFC 303 week! Conor McGregor was supposed to fight this week, but he has an "injured toe." I'll talk about that in an epic rant at the end of the show, but first, I owe Robert Whittaker an apology. I also tell you why I'm so excited for Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes, the UFC 303 co-main event that's flying under-the-radar. I also talk about Alexander Volkov's win over Sergei Pavlovich, and what this reveals to us about Jon Jones. The following time codes are approximate: Robert Whittaker's b...
Jun 25, 2024•58 min•Ep. 373
I'm back from Brazil, and it seems like I missed a lot! On today's episode, I'm gonna get into it all: My boxing FIGHT with Anderson Silva, why I applaud Conor McGregor for backing out of UFC 303, another bada** move from Alex Pereira, and PR brilliance from Bo Nickal The following time codes are approximate: My boxing fight with Anderson Silva in Brazil (00:00) Conor McGregor's UFC 303 pullout (08:50) Alex Pereira saving the day at UFC 303 (21:21) A brilliant move by Bo Nickal (29:05) I apologi...
Jun 18, 2024•36 min•Ep. 372
Howdy folks! On today’s episode, I discuss: The rumours surrounding why ESPN pulled their UFC 303 advertisements (00:00) Whether Conor McGregor truly planned to fight this year (12:58) Arman Tsarukyan’s smart approach to his potential upcoming Islam Makhachev matchup (23:18) What I make of Dustin Poirier's post fight comments (33:45) Dana White’s plans for the next BMF fight and why it might not feature Max Holloway (42:19) What’s going on with Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul? (50:19) All time codes ar...
Jun 07, 2024•58 min•Ep. 371
What a couple of days it's been since I've last spoken to you! On today's episode, I'm gonna get into my theories behind the canceling of the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler press conference in Dublin. Plus, I talk about Islam Makhachev's impressive win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, and Dana White's insistence that Jon Jones is above Makhachev in the GOAT conversation. I also get into Paulo Costa's sad excuse for a performance against Sean Strickland, and more. To get all my latest episode...
Jun 04, 2024•46 min•Ep. 370
Just before I left Oregon to cover UFC 302 for ESPN, I recorded an extra special episode for you all today! First, I tell you why I LOVE the UFC 303 booking between Ian Machado Garry and Michael "Venom" Page. Then, I talk about what Islam Makhachev can do to be ranked above his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in the GOAT conversation. Then, I talk to MMA judge (and my friend) Douglas Crosby about the state of MMA judging, similarities between he and Ronda Rousey, why judges don't typically speak to...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 369
It’s UFC 302 fight week! We’re gonna dive into that and much more in today’s episode: My take on the alarming Conor McGregor partying footage (00:00) Breaking down the Xs and Os of Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier (12:07) How I think Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa will play out (22:02) An update on Ryan Garcia’s positive drug test (31:24) My recent traffic stop in West Linn, OR (43:32) *All time codes are approximate. Our Sponsors: * Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: h...
May 28, 2024•57 min•Ep. 368
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! On today's episode, I'm gonna spend a lot of time talking about Conor McGregor: His big plans for 2024, why Dustin Poirier doesn't think he'll fight McGregor again, and if McGregor is even training enough for his June 29 return fight with Michael Chandler. Plus, I talk about Carlos Ulberg stepping in for Khalil Rountree, as well as that boxing fight I took with Anderson Silva... The following time codes are approximate: My boxing fight with Anderson Silva (00:00) Jama...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 367
Bonjour! I'm back from Paris. And on today's episode, I'm getting into my big takeaways from the entire FOUR seconds of Conor McCregor's training footage , my issue with Ian Machado Garry saying he's "accepted" a fight with Michael "Venom" Page, and the thing I'm missing from Tom Aspinall. Plus, is Max Holloway also the No. 1 contender at 155 lbs.? The following time codes are approximate: Oleksandr Usyk's win over Tyson Fury (00:00) My advice to Tom Aspinall (10:48) Conor McGregor's training fo...
May 21, 2024•50 min•Ep. 366
Happy Tuesday! On today's episode, I react to Derrick Lewis' win this past weekend, and a certain heavyweight triangle involving Jon Jones, Alex Pereira, and Tom Aspinall. Plus, Dana White says UFC 303 is already breaking records! Crazy John Fury also head-butted someone from Oleksandr Usyk's team, but I don't believe it. And a whole lot more! The following time codes are approximate: Derrick Lewis' win at UFC St. Louis (00:00) Jon Jones is calling for Alex Pereira now (09:35) Chandler vs. McGre...
May 14, 2024•56 min•Ep. 365
Hey everybody! I spoke to Islam Makhachev today, and I'm gonna tell you what I learned from that conversation. Plus, I told Ariel Helwani why I'm not positive Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz is happening, Alexander Volkanovski wants the BMF belt all of a sudden, and wrestling phenom Gable Steveson is out at WWE. Does a career in MMA await? Oh yeah, and I TOLD YOU SO!!! The following time codes are approximate: I TOLD YOU SO! (00:00) My conversation with Islam Makhachev (12:09) Alex Volkanovski want...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 364
I'm back from ESPN headquarters, and I've got some things to say about UFC 301! On today's episode, I'm gonna tell you how Steve Erceg, even in a loss, was the most impressive fighter at UFC 301. Plus, I'll tell you why Anthony Smith inspires me, where Jose Aldo fits into the UFC bantamweight title picture, and what I'm hearing about Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall possibly fighting each other in July. And apparently Charles Oliveira wants to be the backup fighter for UFC 303? The following time code...
May 07, 2024•50 min•Ep. 363
Happy Friday! I've got a LOADED show for you all today.* Here's what's coming up courtesy of Uncle Chael: My expert take on Ryan Garcia's failed drug test (00:00) Why Tom Aspinall was wrong to criticize the UFC 304 start time (18:35) I have to rush to Jon Jones' defense again... (26:15) Prediction for Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino at UFC 301 (35:33) Prediction for Jonathan Martinez vs. Jose Aldo (45:51) Prediction for Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg (50:52) Ilia Topuria's response to Joe Rog...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 362
After another weekend of nonstop action in combat sports, Uncle Chael is here to give you the goods!* Here's what to expect on today's episode: Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway, and the featherweight title picture (00:00) My pie-in-the-sky dream for the BMF belt (12:25) Mike Perry's unexpected career turnaround, and Conor McGregor's investment in BKFC (21:34) Why UFC 301 matters and why you, as a fan, should tune in (31:28) What to make of Jose Aldo's upcoming return on Saturday night (39:50) Some big...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 361
Happy Friday, everybody! Here's what's coming up on today's program: Why I can't stop thinking about Ryan Garcia's win over Devin Haney (00:00) Who Tom Aspinall could fight at UFC 304 in Manchester (22:00) Why I feel Justin Gaethje could fight for a UFC title again (31:52) What exactly is Ronda Rousey expecting from her media tour? (41:56) My take on The Rock's upcoming biopic about Mark Kerr (52:24) To support the program, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Our Sponsors: * Check out...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 360
No UFC this past weekend, but a bunch still happened in the combat sports world! Allow me to get into it on today's episode.* Here's what to expect: A hindsight look at Ryan Garcia's antics leading up to his fight with Devin Haney (00:00) Michael Chandler says his bout agreement with Conor McGregor hasn't been signed ... uh oh (09:58) Comparisons between Garcia and McGregor (18:02) Whether Max Holloway would put up the BMF belt against Ilia Topuria (27:43) My reaction to the U.S. Olympics wrestl...
Apr 23, 2024•50 min•Ep. 359
Guys, there's still so much to get to in the wake of UFC 300! I'm gonna dive way deeper on today's episode. Here's what's coming up in this Friday mega-edition* of the program: Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor FINALLY has serious stakes attached to it (00:00) Why I agree with Joe Rogan's take on Max Holloway's knockout of Justin Gaethje (10:45) Ilia Topuria has called out Max Holloway as part of the champ's master plan (21:52) Arman Tsarukyan's dust-up with a fan at UFC 300 (33:14) Jamahal Hi...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 358
What a weekend in Las Vegas at UFC 300! On today's episode, I'm gonna react to everything I saw while taking in one of the best fight cards we've seen in some time.* Here's what's coming up: What I think Max Holloway should do given his newfound leverage (00:00) Why I believe Alex Pereira can already stake his claim as the GOAT (12:10) Conor McGregor is finally set to return ... but will he actually headline UFC 303? (22:58) My respect for both Kayla Harrison and Holly Holm is at an all-time hig...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 357
So, my video producer is out of town, and now I'm in Las Vegas with ESPN. I wasn't sure how I'd get this episode to you, but as always, I've delivered for you. Enjoy this episode* which comes to you recorded from at first a car, and then a treadmill. The latest in the standoff between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane (00:00) Who do you want to see Paulo Costa fight next, and where the heck is Jared Cannonier? (09:25) Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Conor McGregor, and what's at stake in the lightwe...
Apr 12, 2024•45 min•Ep. 356
I'm at home for today's show, so bear with me as I meander through the hallways of my mansion while waxing poetic about the latest in combat sports. Here's what's coming up: Allegations that came out against Jon Jones this weekend, why I believe this can be a great learning experience for all parties involved, and why this situation reminds me of "To Kill a Mockingbird" (00:00) Similarities between Jones and Lance Armstrong, and why I believe we all owe Jones an apology (13:35) The stakes for Ju...
Apr 09, 2024•46 min•Ep. 355
Happy Friday, everyone! Here’s what’s coming up on today’s show: I breakdown Ronda Rousey’s recent interview, where she claimed to be ‘the greatest fighter to have ever lived’ (00:00) Jon Jones’s injury and how he moves forward (14:05) Charles Oliveira pulled a Cory Sandhagen this week (27:48) UFC 300’s two lightweight matchups and the stakes involved for both (39:21) Is Max Holloway making a mistake by going up to 155lbs? (48:16) Michael Bisping thinks Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker could...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 354
Hey everybody! We've got some fun things to discuss on today's program. Here's what's on deck: Chris Weidman's strong showing in his win, and why I believe there should be some changes regarding eye pokes (00:00) Sean Strickland is in a tough spot, but I have some ideas for him (15:56) Bo Nickal calls Olympic champion Jordan Burroughs a "fraud" (26:40) Why I'm in AWE of The Rock as we approach this weekend's Wrestlemania 40 (36:30) Ronda Rousey has opened up about why her UFC career came to an a...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 353
Hey everybody! I've got a big episode for you today as we head into the weekend. Here's what's coming up*: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev is supposedly a No. 1 contender fight, but how is that possible? (00:00) Why Bo Nickal and Chimaev should fight each other if they both win in their next fights (12:58) Where does Sean Strickland fit into all of this? (25:23) Tom Aspinall's callout of Curtis Blaydes for a fight in Manchester, England (38:21) Whether the results of Jon Jones' next fight c...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 352
Howdy folks! I hope you had a great weekend! Here’s what’s coming up on today’s show: My reaction to Igor Severino biting Andre Lima at the UFC Apex last weekend (01:21) Why Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is getting boring (13:13) Nick Diaz’s heavy bag footage, and when we can expect his return (25:19) How is Netflix going to handle the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson promotion? (35:54) I give my recap of the 2024 NCAA Wrestling Championships (49:14) *All time codes are approximate. Thanks for lis...
Mar 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 351
It's been a crazy week for MMA news! We'll get to some of it on today's episode.* Here's what's coming up: Intro (00:00) Why fight negotiations for Conor McGregor are different than they used to be (01:48) Why I think Michael Chandler's motivation for fighting McGregor extends beyond money (15:20) What to make of Marlon Vera's comments regarding Sean O'Malley's greasy hair (28:19) Is Alex Pereira looking past Jamahal Hill? (37:00) Why both Jake Paul and Mike Tyson are in very difficult situation...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 350
