You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen

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

August 1, 2025 78 mins

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 la...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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 ne...
Mark as Played

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 M...
Mark as Played

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. ...

Mark as Played

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 ...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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? ...
Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...
Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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:

<...
  • Mark as Played

    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...

    Mark as Played

    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...

    Mark as Played

    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...

    Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

      Crime Junkie

      Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

      The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

      The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

      Stuff You Should Know

      If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

      The Bobby Bones Show

      Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    © 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.