You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen

The UFC is reportedly planning an event at the White House in 2026 — so who should headline the main card? Then, Jon Jones re-entered the UFC drug testing pool just two weeks after announcing his retirement. What does that mean for him and for the UFC? And while trust between Jones and UFC fans seems to be fading, is that fair?

Later, my thoughts on Dricus Du Plessis offering Khamzat Chimaev $10,000 for every successful takedown. An...

In honor of America's birthday, I'm dropping tomorrow's episode early! In this episode, I tell you why it's wrong to say that Ilia Topuria is a double champ. After that, everyone is comparing Topuria to Conor McGregor, but I've got an entirely new spin to put on it. And Matt Brown claims that Ilia Topuria would become an all-time great with a win over Arman Tsarukyan ... is he right? Then, I take you inside the inner workings of th...

Ilia Topuria’s called his shot, and on today's episode, I give you my reaction to Topuria's first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. Does this make Topuria a global superstar? And will he get Arman Tsarukyan next, or will it be Paddy Pimblett? Despite Dana White pouring cold water on the idea of Topuria vs. Pimblett.

Later, Alexandre Pantoja deserves more credit for what he did to Kai Kara-France. And finall...

Now that the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall saga is over, why does it seem like no one cares? Then, Dana White won’t say it, but I think he’s relieved he doesn’t have to deal with Jones anymore. Plus, why I believe Aspinall’s next opponent is already booked. And what would a Jones return even look like? And finally, Ilia Topuria predicts he’ll knock out Charles Oliveira in the first round tomorrow at UFC 317!

CHAPTERS:

• No one cares a...

Jon Jones announced his retirement from the UFC! On today's episode, I tell you whether we should believe him, and why I’m curious how a star like Jones handles life after fighting. Plus, why part of Jones’ legacy depends on who Tom Aspinall fights next. And finally, my thoughts on Bo Bassett decommitting from Iowa.

Chapters:

• Jon Jones announces his retirement (00:00)
• Do you believe Jones? (10:59)
• How does Jones handle retirement? ...

Islam Makhachev needs to fully commit to welterweight, and I’ll tell you why. Plus, Daniel Cormier says Makhachev may only have three fights left. Also, my reaction to the video of Conor McGregor punching a man in an Ibiza nightclub. And the latest on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, with Dana White saying he’s ready to “move on” if an agreement isn’t reached soon.

Then, my thoughts on Arman Tsarukyan getting named the backup fighter for...

Kamaru Usman proved the doubters wrong with his win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. I tell you what it means for Usman going forward and how the rest of the welterweight division should get matched up. Also, my thoughts on Paul Craig’s illegal upkick against Rodolfo Bellato that led to a no-contest, and whether Bellato flopped to get the call.

Plus, Francis Ngannou seems interested in a fight with Jon Jones. I tell you what I t...

Dana White says Jon Jones agreed to fight Tom Aspinall — so where does Ciryl Gane fit into this? Then, I’m all in on Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes, but I’ve got questions about what kind of shape Nunes is really in after her time away. Plus, I talked to Kamaru Usman about the challenge of fighting Joaquin Buckley this weekend at UFC Atlanta. And a health update on Ben Askren following his recent hospitalization.

Chapters:

• Lates...

Despite the loss to Merab Dvalishvili, I think we saw the best Sean O’Malley we've ever seen at UFC 316. Then, I give you some behind-the-scenes stories on Kayla Harrison's hellacious weight cut, which ultimately didn't stop her from putting a beating on Julianna Pena. Plus, I’m officially taking back everything I’ve said about Amanda Nunes — she’s coming back to the UFC. And finally, I defend Patchy Mix after his lackluster UFC de...

It’s UFC 316 weekend! But I start with Jon Jones — and the only three options he has left. Plus, Sean Strickland admitted he turned down a fight with Caio Borralho, which concerns me.

Then, I explain how Julianna Pena can upset Kayla Harrison in the women’s bantamweight title fight. Also, what happens if Sean O’Malley loses to Merab Dvalishvili again? And finally, my official prediction for the bantamweight title rematch. 

Chapters:

Maycee Barber backed out of the Erin Blanchfield fight at the last possible second, and on today’s episode I tell you what actually happened. Then, I explain why the stakes for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2 are far bigger than you could ever imagine. And, Ariel Helwani and I disagree over what I recently said about Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, but I still think everyone misunderstood me. So, I clear things up again. 

Af...

Fans are so frustrated with the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall saga that they’ve started signing a petition to strip Jones of his UFC title. But I still believe the fight is going to happen. Plus, Aspinall teased some big news today — I’ll tell you what it was.

Then, a lot of fighters are suddenly talking about their legacies, and I need to weigh in. Also, Ian Machado Garry called out Khamzat Chimaev — it may not mean much right now, bu...

Nate Diaz was in a brawl in Thailand? I react to that video, plus I tell you why I believe Diaz is totally serious when he hints about returning to the UFC. And Conor McGregor says he's in serious talks to buy OnlyFans, but I don't believe him. Plus, Arman Tsarukyan apparently likes the idea of fighting Paddy Pimblett. I like the matchup as well, but I have one major issue with it. 

Meanwhile, while clearing up my feud with Islam Ma...

Could Ilia Topuria become the UFC’s first three-division champion? His brother thinks so, and I tell you whether I think thats even possible. Then, my reaction to the news that Topuria has left his gym and longtime team. And, there’s a very real rivalry between Paddy Pimblett and Topuria—and somehow, some way, we need to see that fight. Also, you all are accusing me of calling Islam Makhachev a coward for avoiding Topuria, and I’m ...

Is Jon Jones the biggest troll in UFC history? I begin with that. Then, with no news on a light heavyweight title rematch coming, I'm wondering if Alex Pereira actually wants the fight against Magomed Ankalaev. And after last week's slew of fight announcements, do we think Paddy Pimblett could face Ilia Topuria after the Spaniard fights Oliveira? Also, Topuria says Islam Makhachev ran from away from him, but is that the truth? And ...

On today’s episode, I begin by explaining what Ariel Helwani is misunderstanding about Islam Makhachev's move to 170 lbs. Then,  Khamzat Chimaev is favored to beat Dricus du Plessis -- should he be? And Valentina Shevchenko has responded to my criticism! Plus, people are blaming Jon Jones, but there’s still no evidence that he’s the one holding up the fight with Tom Aspinall. And later, what should Barstool’s Robbie Fox do with the...

With Jack Della Maddalena’s win over Belal Muhammad, the door is now open for Islam Makhachev to move up and challenge JDM. On today's podcast, I talk about whether Makhachev deserves an immediate title shot, and what this fight would mean for the future of lightweight and welterweight. Then, after watching her defeat Manon Fiorit, I tell you about the problem I have with Valentina Shevchenko. Plus, I reflect on the remarkable care...

It's the eve of UFC 315, but fresh off of my trip to Iowa, I begin with some stories from my visit to the University of Iowa’s wrestling practice. Then, I tell you why it isn't time to derail the Bo Nickal hype train just yet. Plus, why Ian Machado Garry is wrong for saying Islam Makhachev deserves a welterweight title shot.

Also, Alex Pereira claimed someone hacked his Twitter, and apparently Magomed Ankalaev was the hacker? And re...

UFC Des Moines is in the books, and I break down Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal—including whether it’s fair to call Nickal overrated, how high de Ridder should climb in the rankings after his win, and my issue with Nickal's approach. Also, what's next for Cory Sandhagen after defeating Deiveson Figueiredo?

Then, Charles Oliveira’s coach says Oliveira would prefer a fight with Ilia Topuria over Islam Makhachev—I’ll tell you why I li...