You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen
You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen
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.
JDM vs. Islam Makhachev at MSG! PLUS, Jake Paul Takes Legal Action and Conor McGregor Needs to STOP Shadowboxing!
Gordon Ryan might be the greatest grappler of all time, but he’s no longer the current No. 1. On today's episode, I'll tell you who is. Then, Khabib Nurmagomedov says Islam Makhachev will face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, and I’ve got some thoughts on that matchup. Plus, Conor McGregor needs to stop shadowboxing every time he sees a camera.Later, my take on Jake Paul threatening legal action against those claiming his fights are fixed, and my reaction to Brock Lesnar’s WWE return at SummerSlam. And most importantly, a story from my 30-year high school reunion this past weekend.Chapters:Gordon Ryan’s supremacy is over (00:00)Khabib: JDM vs. Makhachev at UFC 322 (09:47)McGregor needs to stop shadowboxing (16:06)Jake Paul's legal battles (21:53)SummerSlam: Brock Lesnar’s return (31:02)Story from high school reunion (40:38) To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Aug 5
47 min
Ilia Topuria Is Fighting Arman Tsarukyan Next! Plus, Dana White’s Big Announcement
I’m breaking news - Ilia Topuria is fighting Arman Tsarukyan next. Then, why did Conor McGregor just receive his first drug test in 10 months? And I tell you whether Jon Jones really actually got taken down by ALF Global Reality CEO Alfredo Auditore. Plus, Ciryl Gane’s coach Fernand Lopez says all the pressure is on Tom Aspinall in their heavyweight title fight ... and I agree. Dana White is also teasing a major announcement for later this year.And following his win over Robert Whittaker, is Reinier de Ridder calling out the wrong guy? And finally, my long-awaited thoughts on fitness influencer Joey Swoll quitting social media after the backlash from his Hulk Hogan tribute.Chapters:Topuria is fighting Tsarukyan (00:00)McGregor’s first drug test in 10 months (08:58)Jon Jones taken down? (18:35)Fernand Lopez: Pressure is on Aspinall (29:51)Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua (40:13)Dana White teases announcement (49:40)RDR calling out the wrong guy? (1:00:12)Joey Swoll quits social media (1:08:49)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Aug 1
1 hr 18 min
Jon Jones Was Never Scared of Tom Aspinall! Plus, RDR's Title Hopes and R.I.P. Hulk Hogan
To start off, I pay homage to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.Then, should Reinier de Ridder skip the line for a title shot after he defeated Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi? does he get a title shot next? Plus, with the booking of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2, I tell you who I think the real No. 1 contender in the light heavyweight division is.Also, coach Javier Mendez doesn’t think Jon Jones was ever scared of Tom Aspinall, and I agree — so why didn’t the fight happen? Plus, after Max Holloway defended his BMF title at UFC 318 against Dustin Poirier, could Dan Hooker be his next challenger? Islam Makhachev also says Ilia Topuria’s No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking is just UFC marketing — but I’m not buying it. And finally, my thoughts on BJ Penn’s video asking Dana White for help.Chapters:Hulk Hogan memories (00:00)Should RDR get a title shot? (12:04)No. 1 contender at light heavyweight (19:57)Javier Mendez: Jones wasn't scared of Aspinall (27:14)Holloway vs. Hooker for BMF title? (37:21)Makhachev: Topuria’s No. 1 ranking only for marketing (44:49)BJ Penn asks Dana White for help (52:41)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Jul 29
1 hr 2 min
What Happens If Magomed Ankalaev Beats Alex Pereira Again? Plus, Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane (Finally) and Sean Strickland Suspended!
Fight news everywhere! Tom Aspinall will finally return in October against Ciryl Gane, and I'll tell you why this was the right call. Then, Khabib Nurmagomedov says Jon Jones is past his prime (which I don't necessarily agree with), Ilia Topuria is the REAL BMF, Sean Strickland is suspended for his role in a post-fight altercation, Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder is going down, and more!Aspinall vs. Gane (00:00)Jon Jones and The White House? (08:10)Khabib's comments on Jones (16:40)Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 (23:50)Strickland suspended (31:56)Whittaker vs. RDR (37:50)Topuria's BMF claim (45:11)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Jul 25
56 min
Dustin Poirier Says Farewell, Max Holloway’s Future, and Why Dana White Is the Best CEO in America!
Dustin Poirier said farewell on Saturday at UFC 318, and as someone who watched the fight live, I tell you what really happened between Poirier and Max Holloway. Then, I relay my favorite Poirier story before discussing what could lay ahead for the BMF champion Holloway. After that, I explain why Dana White is the best CEO in America right now.Chapters:Holloway vs. Poirier 3 reaction (00:00)My Poirier story (07:03)Holloway's next move (13:10)The White House card (20:18)Paulo Costa discussing Khamzat Chimaev (29:22)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Jul 22
38 min
UFC 318 Preview: My Official Prediction for Holloway vs. Poirier 3! Plus, Max's Misplaced Focus
You guys keep asking me to send you the pictures Conor McGregor sent to Azealia Banks ... why?Then, could training in Dagestan really turn fighters into UFC champions? And why I have a problem with Max Holloway focusing more on Ilia Topuria than Dustin Poirier. Plus, why Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull will be the fight of the night. And finally, my official prediction for Holloway vs.Poirier 3!Chapters:People keep asking me for McGregor’s pictures (00:00)Return policy? (08:51)Move to Dagestan to become UFC champion? (14:19)Holloway more focused on Topuria than Poirier (25:11)Fight of the night: Ige vs. Pitbull (33:49)Official prediction: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 (40:02)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Jul 18
46 min
Conor McGregor’s Unsolicited Pictures, the Fence Grab Controversy, and Will We See Tom Aspinall vs. Derrick Lewis?
Conor McGregor is under fire for allegedly sending unsolicited photos to rapper Azealia Banks — and for his bizarre promo during a recent BKFC press conference. I’ll tell you what’s going on and how fans are reacting. Then, was the UFC Nashville main event stopped too early? I weigh in on that, and whether a fight with Tom Aspinall could be next. Plus, the latest I have on Aspinall and how the heavyweight matchups could shake out. Later, Jon Jones was left off last week’s athlete rankings — but should he still be listed? And finally, how does Khamzat Chimaev beat Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319? Chapters:McGregor’s unsolicited pictures (00:00)McGregor’s BKFC promo (08:55)Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira controversy (18:29)Chances of Aspinall vs. Lewis? (27:03)Lewis’ reaction to Teixeira’s illegal fence grab (35:31)Latest on Aspinall’s next opponent (43:26)Jon Jones not in last week’s rankings (51:00)How Chimaev beats du Plessis (58:51)Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In New York, call 878-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 887-897-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). 21+ age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.com/AUDIO. To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Jul 15
1 hr 8 min
The Dream UFC White House Card! Plus, Will Khamzat Chimaev RETIRE After UFC 319?
Michael Bisping revealed his dream White House card — I’ll tell you if I agree with his matchups. And now that Jon Jones has re-entered the testing pool, does that automatically earn him a spot on the card? Plus, what does Jones need to do to regain your trust?Then, Derrick Lewis called out Tom Aspinall, which further confirms what I’ve been thinking about Aspinall’s next fight. Plus, Caio Borralho says Khamzat Chimaev will retire if he beats Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 — I’ll weigh in on that. Also, who is better: Charles Oliveira or Jack Della Maddalena? And finally, how likely are we to see Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria? Chapters:Dream White House card (00:00)Jon Jones on The White House card? (07:11)How Jones regains trust (18:36)Derrick Lewis calls out Tom Aspinall (27:49)Caio Borralho believes Chimaev retires with win (34:02)Who’s better: Oliveira or JDM? (43:23)How likely is Makhachev vs. Topuria? (51:32)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Jul 11
1 hr
Jon Jones Re-Enters Drug-Testing Pool! Plus, a UFC Event at The White House?!
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. And finally, Movsar Evloev says he can do 1500 push-ups in an hour!CHAPTERS:UFC at the White House in 2026 (00:00)Reaction to Jon Jones re-entering testing pool (08:12)What returning to the pool means (18:47)Trust issues between UFC fans and Jones (28:18)Du Plessis’ $10k offer to Chimaev (36:40)Evloev claims he can do 1500 push-ups in an hour (44:42)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Jul 8
51 min
We Aren't Getting Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett Soon. Plus, Would You Rather Dance with Topuria or Conor McGregor?
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 the lightweight title picture, and whether Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, or Islam Makhachev will get the next crack at the new lightweight champ. Plus, why it's about time y'all give Jake Paul the respect he deserves.CHAPTERS:Ilia Topuria is NOT a double champ (00:00)Topuria and McGregor comparisons (10:38)Topuria's already legendary career (20:54)Why Paddy and Gaethje aren't fighting each other (29:46)Paddy is JACKED (41:15)Joe Rogan's hot take on Islam Makhachev (52:22)It's time to respect Jake Paul (01:02:17)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Jul 3
1 hr 14 min
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