You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen

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...

On today’s episode, I tell you why I have a problem with Islam Makhachev basing his future on the outcome of Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena. And for everyone doubting Kamaru Usman ... have you forgotten who Kamaru Usman is?

Then,  I look ahead to Bo Nickal vs. Reinier de Ridder this weekend at UFC Des Moines, but apparently, Nickal weighed needs to cut a considerable amount of weight this week. I’ll also tell you whether I ...

With UFC Kansas City in the books, Ian Machado Garry’s win over Carlos Prates has earned him the spot as the backup fighter for UFC 315. I'll tell you why Machado Garry still concerns me, and what I make of Joaquin Buckley's appearance at his weigh-in. Then, Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 is set for UFC 318 in a battle for the BMF title (which I told you about a month ago). Also, my reaction to watching a video of Israel Adesany...

On today’s episode, I break the news that Tom Aspinall will face Ciryl Gane — not Jon Jones — for the for the interim heavyweight title (again). Then, a trusted source tells me that Justin Gaethje will get the next shot at Islam Makhachev, not Ilia Topuria. And, Dricus Du Plessis broke his silence on Twitter, telling the public that he has a fight announcement coming soon.

Next, how is Nassourdine Imavov ranked No. 1 in the middlewe...

Paddy Pimblett reportedly gained 40 pounds after his UFC 314 win?! On today's episode, I break down how that’s even possible. Then, I explain why I'm uncomfortable with the conversation around Conor McGregor’s alleged cocaine use. And, I’ve got an update on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, including Aspinall saying he’s been “sworn to secrecy."

Also, if Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev is off the table for International Fight Week d...

On today's episode, I break down the confusing lightweight title picture, and explain why I think Islam Makhachev needs to fight Ilia Topuria. Then, some people are discrediting Paddy Pimblett’s win last weekend by saying Michael Chandler just isn’t that good anymore — I’ll give you my take. 

Next, I might have to walk back what I said about Alexander Volkanovski looking old while reclaiming the featherweight title — because he stil...

I’m back from UFC 314! And after Alexander Volkanovski won the vacant featherweight title over Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev called him out for a title shot — but I don’t see that matchup as main event material. Then, following his impressive win over Michael Chandler, people are wondering if Paddy Pimblett could become an even bigger star than Conor McGregor. I’ll share my thoughts on that and although we may not know who Paddy will ...

On today’s episode, I introduce you to the newest addition to the UFC: Aaron Pico! Then, I went back and rewatched Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili, and I think it was a lot closer than you might remember. Also, my reaction to Carlos Prates smoking four cigarettes at once—is it just for attention, or is there a real problem here?

Then, as we gear up for UFC 314 in Miami this Saturday night, I’ll explain how Paddy Pimblett is crea...