You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen - podcast cover

You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen: MMA superstar, American gangster...and bad guy...speaks his mind, drops knowledge and sounds off as the absolute authoritative voice in the world of combat sports. Join Chael as he runs life inside and out of the Octagon, with inside knowledge and unrivaled perspective. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Episodes

Is Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall the Biggest Fight in UFC History? Plus, a Chicken Sh*t Move!

I'm sorry I missed you all on Tuesday! I'm battling a nasty cold, but I'm still here to bring you some of the goods. On today's episode, I begin by telling you why I think Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall (if it's ever booked) has the potential to be the biggest fight in UFC history. Then, I have a bone to pick with Ilia Topuria's desire to move up a weight class. And to close out the show, I talk to my friend Hamzah Sheeraz in Saudi Arabia about this weekend's must-see boxing rematch between heavywei...

Dec 20, 202433 minEp. 420

Colby Covington's Plans for Beating Joaquin Buckley, Conor McGregor's Trash Talk with Belal Muhammad, and a Brendan Schaub Story

While patrolling the roads of Tampa Bay one day before cornering Colby Covington in the UFC Tampa main event, I'm here to get you up to speed on all the latest happenings. On today's show, I discuss said main event between Covington and Joaquin Buckley, as well as a back-and-forth between Conor McGregor and Belal Muhammad, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo's callout of current champ Alexandre Pantoja, a bad deck of cards for Aljamain Sterling, rumors surrounding Israel Adesanya's nex...

Dec 13, 202447 minEp. 419

UFC 310 Reaction! Demetrious Johnson Declines Callout, Ciryl Gane's Controversial Win, and Leon Edwards vs. Ian Garry?

I'm back from Las Vegas after covering UFC 310 for ESPN, and I give you my full reaction on today's episode! I discuss: Alexandre Pantoja's callout of Demetrious Johnson (00:00) How to make Leon Edwards vs. Ian Garry happen (11:10) Ciryl Gane's controversial win (20:08) The importance of honor in fighting (31:26) Sean Strickland's path to the middleweight title (41:00) To support this program, you can leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or my Spotify page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Dec 10, 202447 minEp. 418

UFC 310 Official Predictions!

On the eve of UFC 310, ol' Uncle Chael is here to weigh in on all the big fights of the final UFC pay-per-view of the year. On today's show, I discuss: Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman on the undercard (00:00) Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes (12:07) Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 (24:30) Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry (33:12) Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura (42:49) Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor: Draft Kings Sportsbook - Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app NOW. New...

Dec 06, 202449 minEp. 417

UFC 310 Preview and the Road to Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou Starts Now

UFC 310 is nearly upon us! And on today's episode, I talk about a very meaningful heavyweight fight between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, and why I think its result could have an impact on the futures of Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Plus, I discuss the unprecedented nature of the main event between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura, as well as the fascinating matchup between top welterweights Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov. I also talk about last weekend's PFL championships, and what ...

Dec 03, 202448 minEp. 416

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is the Biggest Fight in UFC Heavyweight History! Plus, the Battle of the Undefeateds

While you were busy stuffing down turkey on Thanksgiving, I was working hard to give you today's episode! I get into several angles of the potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall championship fight. Plus, I talk about UFC 310's highly-anticipated bout between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, as well as the very important subject of Robert Whittaker's bad teeth. The following time codes are approximate: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall (00:00) Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry (22:58) Poor L...

Nov 29, 202458 minEp. 415

The Bantamweight Title Picture, Defending Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, and Tom Aspinall vs. Francis Ngannou?

I'm back in the studio today, and on today's episode, I give you something a little bit different! Recently, I've started a podcast on my YouTube channel with my film producer friend (and big MMA fan) Mike Soccio , and I wanted to bring you some of that podcast on today's episode of "You're Welcome." In this snippet, the two of us discuss the UFC bantamweight title picture following Petr Yan's win over Deiveson Figueiredo, as well as whether Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira will get the next shot at...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 414

Jon Jones or Islam Makhachev for No. 1 P4P? Plus, UFC 310 Shakeup and Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Reaction!

Join me as I wind through the streets of New York City while I deliver my unmatched analysis of several happenings in the combat sports world. On today's episode, I talk about Jon Jones' place in the pound-for-pound rankings, the new UFC 310 welterweight showdown between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, as well as the UFC's signing of grappling specialist Mikey Musumeci. Plus, I tell you about my run-in with Larry Holmes, and also my thoughts on what really happened between Jake Paul and...

Nov 22, 202445 minEp. 413

UFC 309 Reaction! Plus, Jon Jones Wants More Money and I'm Mad at Bo Nickal

Join me as I walk the streets to give you my instant reaction to what we witnessed Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. On today's episode, I tell you what I really saw between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, why Charles Oliveira stole the show, and why I'm disappointed in Bo Nickal. Plus, I talk about a potential Jones vs. Tom Aspinall title fight and Jones' demands for more money to fight the interim heavyweight champion. The following time codes are approximate: Oliveira's perfect performance...

Nov 19, 202443 minEp. 412

Jon Jones DUCKED Me! Plus, Bo Nickal's Big Claim and Jones vs. Miocic Preview

It's a massive week in combat sports, and on today's episode I discuss the UFC 309 main event from several angles. Plus, I tell you about something Bo Nickal said, and I also revisit the night Jorge Masvidal suckerpunched Leon Edwards before explaining why I think the two should finally get locked in the cage together. The following time codes are approximate: Bo Nickal wants Shara Bullet (00:00) The psychology of Jon Jones (11:57) Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic (29:23) Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwar...

Nov 12, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 411

Jon Jones' Perfect Record, Poirier vs. Holloway 3 Rumors, and My New Favorite Fighter

With a new rule change in the UFC, some are wondering whether Jon Jones will benefit from it by having the one loss of his career moved to a no-contest. I give you my thoughts on that, plus I also tell you why I think we could see Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier battle it out in the cage for a third time. Additionally, Brandon Moreno is back, something CRAZY just happened in a fight, and I've got a UFC prospect that I have to tell you about. You're welcome. The following time codes are approxima...

Nov 08, 202459 minEp. 410

Stipe Miocic Won’t Make It Out of the First Round With Jon Jones. Plus, Which UFC Fighter Should Be President?

On today's episode, I begin by discussing the news that Ian Garry and Joaquin Buckley will headline the final Fight Night of the year. I also talk about why Ilia Topuria could be champion for years to come, Derrick Lewis's strong take on Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, and Tom Aspinall's smart plans for UFC 309. And on this Election Day, I tell you which UFC fighter could make a good President of the United States. The following time codes are approximate: Ian Garry vs. Joaquin Buckley (00:00) Ilia ...

Nov 05, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 409

Belal Muhammad Out, Alex Pereira In! Plus, Will Khamzat Chimaev Or Sean Strickland Get DDP?

Big episode today! Coming up, I discuss the news that Belal Muhammad is out of his UFC 310 title fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov, and also why I believe Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev will be the new headliner. Plus, I tell you whether Khamzat Chimaev or Bo Nickal is the better MMA wrestler, and whether Chimaev or Sean Strickland will get the next middleweight title shot against Dricus du Plessis. There's also some rumors about a fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev? And of course, Con...

Nov 01, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 408

Is Ilia Topuria the Fighter of the Year? Plus, Why UFC 308 Created More Problems Than It Solved

On today's post-UFC 308 episode, I talk about the middleweight title picture and whether Khamzat Chimaev or Sean Strickland deserves the next crack at Dricus du Plessis. Plus, I discuss Ilia Topuria's impressive win over Max Holloway and why I think El Matador has a strong case for Fighter of the Year over Alex Pereira. Speaking of Pereira, are we so sure Magomed Ankalaev will be his next opponent? *The following time codes are approximate: Ilia Topuria for FOY? (00:00) Middleweight title pictur...

Oct 29, 202438 minEp. 407

What's Next For Francis Ngannou? Plus, Ilia Topuria Strikes Again

It's UFC 308 week! On today's show, I talk about another challenge laid down by Ilia Topuria to Max Holloway, and I tell you how Holloway responded to it. Plus, I talk about the betting lines for Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic and my take on Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev. And after watching Francis Ngannou win handily in his PFL debut this weekend, I'm wondering a few things: Does he fight in boxing or MMA next, and where does Ngannou rank in the all-time heavyweight great conversa...

Oct 22, 202457 minEp. 406

Alex Pereira's INSANE Weight Cuts, Conor McGregor's Legacy, and Is UFC Protecting Paddy Pimblett?

Happy Friday! On today's episode I talk about Conor McGregor inviting Sean O'Malley to train with him in Thailand. I also talk about Alex Pereira's massive weight cuts, Cowboy Cerrone's un-retirement, and why Renato Moicano thinks the UFC is protecting Paddy Pimblett from him. And, after years of legal issues, injuries, and not fighting ... what exactly is McGregor's legacy at this point? The following time codes are approximate: McGregor and O'Malley mend fences (00:00) McGregor's legacy (10:26...

Oct 18, 202452 minEp. 405

My Three Problems with Conor McGregor vs. Dan Hooker. Plus, Dustin Poirier Teases Fight Announcement!

On today's episode, I explain my issues with Conor McGregor's statement that he and Dan Hooker are going to fight each other next February in Saudi Arabia. Plus, I tell you why Hooker could instead make sense for Dustin Poirier's next fight. I also discuss Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Jake Paul's proposed bet with Mike Tyson, and my problem with the UFCs newest signee. The following time codes are approximate: Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov is official (00:00) McGregor vs. Hooker? (11:17) Dusti...

Oct 15, 202445 minEp. 404

Ilia Topuria Issues a Challenge, Jake Paul's $40M Pay Day, and Dana White Won't Meet With Conor McGregor?!

On today's LOADED episode, I'm covering a whole bunch of topics, like how Alex Pereira has jumped over Jon Jones in the pound-for-pound rankings. Plus, Amanda Nunes teases a return, Conor McGregor and Dana White are in the same city but it's NOT to see each other, and Ilia Topuria has issued a brilliant challenge to Max Holloway for their UFC 308 scrap. On top of all that, I discuss rumors of Jake Paul's $40 MILLION pay day to fight Mike Tyson, as well as a proposed BMF tournament by Nate Diaz. ...

Oct 11, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 403

We've Never Seen Anything Like Alex Pereira. Plus, Kayla Harrison DIDN'T WIN! | UFC 307 Reaction

On today's episode, we go back in time to Saturday night when I offered you my immediate thoughts to Alex Pereira's win over Khalil Rountree, and I also tell you why I don't believe Kayla Harrison got the victory. Then, I talk about why the women's bantamweight division has suddenly become interesting, what's next for Pereira, and what makes the light heavyweight champion so special. The following time codes are approximate: Alex Pereira's place in the GOAT conversation (00:00) Kayla Harrison di...

Oct 08, 202447 minEp. 402

UFC 307 Preview: Khalil Rountree's Path to Beating Alex Pereira. Plus, the Women's Bantamweight Tournament

I'm in Salt Lake City for UFC 307, but before I left I made sure to deliver you a special UFC 307 preview show! On today's episode, I talk about paths to victory for both Khalil Rountree and Alex Pereira in Saturday night's main event, the overwhelming odds in favor of Kayla Harrison, Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Pena, and more. Plus, Israel Adesanya says he wants to fight again this year, and Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov might have a fight booked with each other? The following time codes a...

Oct 04, 202458 minEp. 401

Renato Moicano Will Face Justin Gaethje Next. Plus, What If Jon Jones Doesn't Fight Stipe Miocic?

Before I head off to Salt Lake City to cover UFC 307 for ESPN, I give you my reaction to Renato Moicano's win over Benoit Saint-Denis. And I also tell you why I think Money Moicano will fight Justin Gaethje next. Plus, I get into the drama surrounding Bryan Battle, and I also talk about the triangle between Stipe Miocic, Jon Jones, and Tom Aspinall. The following time codes are approximate: Renato Moicano's next opponent (00:00) Similarities between Moicano and Khalil Rountree (08:42) Bryan Batt...

Oct 01, 202440 minEp. 400

Stipe Miocic May Not Show Up to Fight Jon Jones. Plus, Why Vince McMahon Reminds Me of Conor McGregor

On today's episode, I get into the new Vince McMahon Netflix documentary that's sweeping the Internet. I also discuss rumors swirling around Stipe Miocic and his UFC 309 bout with Jon Jones at Madison Square Garden. Plus, Diego Lopes has put Alex Volkanovski in a tough spot, the PFL has put together a big card for next month, and I give you my take on a controversial airplane story. To support this show, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on Spotify . The following tim...

Sep 27, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 399

Khamzat Chimaev Can't Fight in the U.S! Plus, Conor McGregor Lost (Again)

Khamzat Chimaev finally revealed the truth! I talk about that on today's program, plus I tell you about my new favorite UFC featherweight. I also give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into next month's title fight between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree. Jorge Masvidal has also called out Leon Edwards again, and Conor McGregor lost (again). The following time codes are approximate: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree (00:00) Movsar Evloev is the man (11:36) Conor McGregor and Mike Perry (24:51) Jor...

Sep 24, 202456 minEp. 398

Michael Chandler Believes Conor McGregor Will Return. Plus, Will Jon Jones Retire After UFC 309?

Howdy folks! On today’s episode of the best podcast in combat sports, I get into all the week’s biggest stories, starting with Michael Chandler's thoughts on Conor McGregor’s return. Then, I talk about Jon Jones's comments on his fight with Stipe Miocic being “likely” his last. After that, I dive into the potential matchup of Henry Cejudo vs. Sean O’Malley, as well as Merab Dvalishvili’s plan for his next title fight. To close out, I discuss Khamzat Chimaev’s decision to get back to his roots an...

Sep 20, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 397

The Merab Dvalishvili Era Begins, Conor McGregor's Future, and Valentina Shevchenko's Big Mistake

I'm back from Las Vegas after an INCREDIBLE weekend at Sphere, and I've got a lot to say on today's program. I get into Merab Dvalishvili's win over Sean O'Malley and all the weird things that happened in this fight. Plus, I tell you why Valentina Shevchenko didn't do herself any favors Saturday night, and also about the massive compliment Dana White handed to budding superstar Diego Lopes. Plus, Jake Paul made a brilliant marketing move, and Conor McGregor's UFC career may have gone up in flame...

Sep 17, 202451 minEp. 396

UFC 306 Preview and Dana White Says Conor McGregor Will Fight in 2025

A special night at UFC 306 warrants a special preview podcast, and so on today's episode that's what I give ya! I talk about Sean O'Malley's GENIUS marketing work, and also his biggest weakness in the Octagon. Plus, I talk about the guy that bowed out of Dana White's Contender Series and White's plans for Conor McGregor in 2025. And of course, some official predictions for the UFC 306 co-main event between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko, as well as the main event between O'Malley and Mera...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 395

Goodbye Mighty Mouse, Merab Criticizes Umar, and Israel Adesanya's Road Rage Incident

Was Israel Adesanya involved in a ROAD RAGE incident? I tell ya' that on today's episode PLUS I call out Merab Dvalishvili for his hypocritical criticism of Umar Nurmagomedov. Also, my reaction to Sean Brady's win over Gilbert Burns, expectations for The Sphere, and we say goodbye (maybe?) to a legend. The following time codes are approximate: Burns vs. Brady reaction (00:00) Is Demetrious Johnson done? (07:38) Merab criticizes Umar (15:34) What will The Sphere show look like? (27:15) Gangs, Hel...

Sep 10, 202447 minEp. 394

Jon Jones BLOCKED ME! Plus, the Most Underrated Fight of 2024, and Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady Preview

I went to message Jon Jones...and I think he blocked me. Can you believe it? I get into that on today's show, plus I saw some video of Conor McGregor training and I'm not quite sure what to make of it. I also talk about Saturday's big Fight Night bout between Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady, as well as the odds of the UFC 306 main event between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. I also would love to see O'Malley and Belal Muhammad in the same room, wouldn't you? The following time codes are appro...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 393

How Rich Is Jon Jones? Plus, Colby Covington vs. Dustin Poirier Rumors, and Why I Hate NASA!

Happy post-Labor Day! On today's great episode of the best podcast in combat sports, I tell you about that time I was (almost) a stunt man for Channing Tatum, and also my beef with NASA. Then, I talk about the rumors surrounding a Colby Covington-Dustin Poirier fight. After that, I discuss the UFC welterweight title picture, my BRILLIANT idea for Alexander Volkanovski's next opponent, Jon Jones' financials and how that could impact his retirement decision, changing pay-per-view prices in boxing,...

Sep 03, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 392

Dana White Teases Conor McGregor News. Plus, Is Kamaru Usman Washed Up?

Lots to get to on today's show! I begin by talking about Dana White teasing he has fight news for Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway. Then, I break down the upcoming title fight between Holloway and Ilia Topuria, as well as the latest twists and turns in the McGregor vs. Chandler saga. Plus, I get into some drama in the grappling world, the Buffalo Bills cutting Gable Steveson, Kamaru Usman's future, and more. Dana White's fight news (00:00) Ilia Topuria vs. Max...

Aug 30, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 391