You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen

Chael breaks down Real American Freestyle, starting with Dillon Danis prodding Arman Tsarukyan at the press conference until Khamzat Chimaev came off the stage -- and the moment Chimaev bent down to fix his shoe that nearly sent security into full panic. Danis cut nine pounds under lockdown, showed up, and competed -- Chael says that deserves credit. Jordan Burroughs took on the U23 champion Mikey Caliendo and lost on criteria -- last score -- but looked anything but done. Vito Arujau gave up a 9-point lead to Rivera in a 22-point thriller. Jordan Oliver and Ridge Lovett delivered...

Chael makes the case that Josh Hokit is one win away from being the King of MMA -- the first ever undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion -- and argues Bruce Buffer’s criticism of how Hokit talks proves nothing, because nobody wants the opposite. Mike Perry has split from Bare Knuckle FC in a mutual, drama-free parting with promoter Dave Feldman, and Chael says every MMA org should sign him right now -- he is the hottest free agent on the market. Bo Nickal and Gable Steveson have a backstage feud brewing at Real American Freestyle, and Chael asks whether Ga...

It is fight week and Volkanovski faces undefeated Movsar Evloev. Volk says he will stop Evloev and then call out Gaethje - Chael is enamored. He will not get that fight, but the fact that it is what drives him tells you everything about Volk. Dricus Du Plessis says he wants to go to 205 after getting his belt back at 185. Chael supports the 205 move but says the math does not work - go now, do not wait. Shara Magomedov went 16-0, 7-0 in the UFC and got released. Chael says someone on his team failed him - you do...

Bruce Buffer called Josh Hokit disrespectful - Chael says Bruce started it and has it backwards. Hokit fought on the South Lawn, is headed to MSG for a heavyweight title shot, and had sponsors remodel his house. That is not a guy doing it wrong. Henry Cejudo says Alex Pereira is spoiled with opportunities - Chael dismantles that take point by point. Pereira started as a 36-year-old kickboxer on undercards, had to make 185, beat Sean Strickland just to get to Izzy, then won the belt the hard way at 38. He got dealt from the bottom of the deck and...

Brendan Allen came out and said nobody likes him - Chael breaks down why it might be true and what fixes it. The short answer: fight Dricus Du Plessis. Jon Jones calls not fighting at the White House his biggest life regret - which means his biggest regret is probably not fighting Alex Pereira. Jones is staying in the testing pool, which means he isn’t fully retired. Khamzat Chimaev’s camp wants him at 205, but Chael isn’t buying the size claims - the guy showed up to a Russian exhibition at 193 pounds without cutting. He’s a middlewe...

Sean Strickland says he’s done fighting for UFC money. He’ll move to 205, burn out his contract, then go box Jake Paul for a big bag. Chael discloses his bias upfront, then explains why those specific words could get Strickland stripped and why a healthy champion holding out never ends well. Coach Ray Longo moved the line on Pereira-Pavlovich: is Alex too small for heavyweight, or did Ciryl Gane just outbox him? Chael makes the case it was skill, not size. Then Valentina Shevchenko was stripped with no public explanation, reportedly against her wishes. Chael asks the question nobo...

Sean Strickland wants $1 million to fight Nassourdine Imavov — the deal stalled, and now Oliveira vs. Lopes for the BMF title headlines UFC 335 instead. Chael breaks down what that means for Imavov, who's been sitting out healthy and willing while the clock runs. Then the Pereira-Pavlovich breakdown: why the worst possible matchup is actually the perfect one for Alex. Plus Ask Uncle Chael covers Payton Talbott's O'Malley callout, the case for making that fight a true semifinal, RAF coaching rankings, and whether Gable Steveson has a glass jaw.

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Eddie Hearn bans Dana White from the Fury-Joshua press conference, but Nick Khan shows up anyway. Chael breaks down the contract language and explains why the real fight is off-camera. Scott Coker launches Ki MMA as a purist alternative just as a CBS numbered event puts Valentina's flyweight title on the line in a legit number one contenders match. Chael makes the case for shortening fight duration as the single best safety fix in MMA, and explains how 25 minutes became standard by complete accident. Then the full Gable Steveson defense: Olympic champion, WWE, NFL, bare knuckle, MMA job-hopper or...

Dana White and Eddie Hearn are at war over the Fury-Joshua fight, and Chael breaks down who's right, who's telling the truth, and why the feud itself is bigger news than the fight. Then: Justin Gaethje is on a media tour and Chael reads between every line - what he's really saying about Arman Tsarukyan and what comes next. Darren Till beats Yoel Romero at bare knuckle and Chael explains why the right guy won, knockdown and all. Finally, Tom Aspinall is out with an eye injury, Ciryl Gane is undisputed, and Chael digs into the subconscious reasons fighters...

Chael's got a Volkov problem. The man does everything right, beats everybody, and still can't get what he deserves. Chael explains exactly why, and what Volkov needs to do about it. Then: Justin Gaethje breaks down the lightweight division, says Ilia Topuria is too small for 155, and tells everyone don't call him until next year. Chael reads between the lines. Paddy Pimblett took a tough loss to Arman Tsarukyan - is he done or just dusty? Plus oblique kicks, heel hooks, and should the UFC be banning things? Ask Uncle Chael closes it out. You're welcome.

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Ciryl Gane is officially the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, and Josh Hokit is next at Madison Square Garden. Chael breaks down the heavyweight picture, including why Alex Pereira vs. Alexander Volkov is already done - they just haven't told you yet. Then: Chael predicts Justin Gaethje wants Arman Tsarukyan, and why that makes perfect sense. Joshua Van just beat Alexandre Pantoja again and looks like something different at flyweight. And Gable Steveson got knocked out - here's the one lesson a wrestler can never forget. Plus: a man fought an actual robot. Chael has thoughts.

To...

Chael is in Miami and the UFC just called him with breaking news: Josh Hokit fights Ciryl Gane for the undisputed heavyweight championship at Madison Square Garden. He was so excited he forgot to ask any questions. Alex Pereira was just photographed in the UFC offices with Hunter Campbell looking very happy — Chael thinks he knows why, and it likely involves Alexander Volkov and a number one contenders match on the same card. Then Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy is a legitimate number one contenders match for Justin Gaethje's title, and Chael lays out exactly how he thinks it pl...

Tom Aspinall vacated the UFC heavyweight title at 1am and Chael was up at 5am to bring you this. Aspinall's statement was real, not PR, and Chael gives him full credit. Ciryl Gane is now the undisputed heavyweight champion without throwing a punch to get there. Jon Jones didn't want to fight Aspinall. Does he want Gane? That question is now very much alive. Josh Hokit is the rightful number one contender and Chael makes the case. Lerone Murphy said what a lot of people are thinking — Volkanovski's best days are behind him. Chael isn't sure and explains why Vo...

Chael makes the case that Ilia Topuria deserves an immediate rematch with Justin Gaethje and everyone resisting it is wrong. Salahdine Parnasse knocks out Dan Hooker in his UFC debut and calls out Max Holloway. Chael says Max has to accept. Not that the fight gets made. That Max has to accept. Ian Garry publicly predicted Carlos Prates can beat Islam Makhachev. From the guy who hugged Islam three times during their title fight. Chael wants Ian to explain himself. Michael Morales is in a dogfight for the number one contender spot and his management team doesn't seem to...

Tom Aspinall is still a mystery. Eddie Hearn says he is back at full training. Josh Hokit says that is a rules violation. Chael has heard from teammates and none of it adds up the same way. Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira keep the rematch conversation alive and Chael still is not sure it needs to happen. Justin Gaethje has all but said his next fight is his last. Chael believes him and breaks down who that fight should be against and why Ilia Topuria getting an immediate rematch is the wrong call for everyone. Salahdine Parnasse just knocked...

Chael is in Moscow with Luke Barnatt on Zoom. TUF 17, Chael's first pick, now a promoter, Octagon commentator, and the most well-dressed bouncer in MMA history. Andrew and Tristan Tate are in a Miami detention center fighting UK extradition and Luke has been in their corner for years. He breaks down the political case and why if they touch down on UK soil it is over. Chael asks the one question everyone wants answered: is anyone protecting US citizens from being handed to a foreign government? Tom Aspinall is not coming back. Luke is close to people close to...

Khamzat Chimaev is calling out Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho all at once. Chael sorts out which of those fights actually happen and which one is a waste of a callout. Usman Nurmagomedov is UFC-bound and nobody in the top 15 wants that phone call. Dan Hooker is the only one raising his hand. Chael explains why that's exactly right and why every other fighter in the division is leaving opportunity on the table. Then Song Yadong knocks out Umar Nurmagomedov as a massive underdog in Shanghai, and Chael doesn't think the better fighter won...

Tom Aspinall just put out a statement saying he's not leaving the UFC. Chael breaks down what that statement actually says versus what it doesn't, and why the difference matters for the entire heavyweight division. Ciryl Gane is the interim champion. The division has two belts and the worst-selling pay-per-view of last year. Where does this go? Then Paddy Pimblett vs. Arman Tsarukyan is being billed as a number one contenders fight for Justin Gaethje's title. Chael was in Philly, interviewed both men, and came away with one very confident quote from Tsarukyan and one very measured answer from...

Chael just got back from Real American Freestyle in Cleveland and it was the best event they've ever put on. Bo Nickel, Jordan Burroughs, Jason Nolf, Gable Steveson, and Merab Dvalishvili all on the same card. And Merab steps on the mat with two-time Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo and loses. Chael explains why that result means more than people think.  

Then UFC Sacramento: Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez loses to Gregory "Robocop" Rodrigues in a war, and Chael makes the case that losing like Fluffy did is its own kind of win, and that he's still one of t...

Chael isn't ready to hand Islam Makhachev the GOAT title just yet, and he's got a name nobody's talking about that might have a better argument. Shavkat Rakhmonov is undefeated, has finished almost everybody, and already beat Ian Machado Garry. So what exactly did Islam prove Saturday night? Chael has opinions. Then there's the Ian Garry hug situation.The pre-fight hug, the mid-fight hug, the post-fight hug, and the post-fight lecture Garry gave Michael Morales backstage that nobody asked for. Carlos Prates says he was promised the next title shot and signed an eight-fight deal on that basis.  Josh H...

Ian Garry lost. Chael doesn't care about the loss. He cares about everything Garry said and did after: the mindset, the Morales exchange, and why wanting Islam Makhachev's approval is the worst thing a fighter can want. Then, who's next at welterweight gets sorted: Morales, Prates, and whether Garry has a real road back. Chael also asks out loud whether Islam is actually the best fighter alive or if we're all just agreeing on that. Chael also gets personal revisiting  his 1994 national championship match against Isaac Wood and the one mistake that still bothers him. Plus, Gillian Robertson finally g...

It's UFC 330 fight week and Chael's headed to Philly. The Ian Garry size debate gets settled once and for all. Conor McGregor tweets about drinking with Brad Pitt, and Chael's seen this movie before with Ronda Rousey and Vin Diesel. Mark Zuckerberg spars Merab Dvalishvili on a raft in the ocean, and Chael has thoughts on who's coaching him wrong. Joe Rogan's fighter pay argument. Ask Uncle Chael covers marriage, GME call options, Josh Hokit, and why the personality era isn't dead.

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It's fight week. Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry is right around the corner, and Chael Sonnen has thoughts, a lot of them. Can Garry actually pull this off? Chael breaks down the road map to an upset, why what happens the first time Islam gets him down will tell us everything, and why the question of who's the better striker isn't as settled as people think. Then it's Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson for the women's strawweight title - two fighters who look lovely and fight dirty, and Chael has a personal connection to this one. Plus: somebody...

Justin Gaethje says he's waiting for a big fight, but what does that actually mean? Chael breaks down the lightweight title picture, why Arman Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy changes everything, and who now makes the most sense as Gaethje's next opponent.

Then, Chael explains why Alex Pereira still isn't over the controversial ending to his White House fight, why his stock hasn't dropped at all, and what could come next.

Plus, why Robert Whittaker may have instantly become a title threat at 205, Chael's take on Ian Garry's ability to become one of MMA's biggest draws, and...

How much longer can the UFC wait on Tom Aspinall?

Chael examines the heavyweight division from every angle, explaining why long layoffs change champions, what it means for Tom Aspinall's return, and why contenders like Ciryl Gane, Josh Hokit, Alexander Volkov, Sergei Pavlovich, and Gable Steveson are forcing the UFC to make difficult decisions. Then, Chael shares behind-the-scenes insight into Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry, revealing why Islam initially passed on the matchup, what that says about Garry as a challenger, and why the betting odds may not tell the full story.

Plus, Chael...

Did the UFC just reveal more than it intended?

Chael explains why Michael Morales was named the backup fighter for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry, what makes the decision so unusual, and what it could reveal about the UFC's plans.Then, Chael reacts to the latest Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier controversy, why the rivalry refuses to die, and what both legends had to say.Plus, the remarkable comeback story of Daniel Rodriguez. From years away from the Octagon to a five-round main event, Chael explains why Rodriguez's opportunity is one of the most compelling stories...

Chael breaks down why the lightweight division has suddenly gone quiet, what Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira may already know, why the BMF Championship still matters, and what it all means for Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria, and the next UFC title fight.

Then, Chael reacts to Islam Makhachev's assessment of Ian Machado Garry, explains why Garry's movement could create unexpected problems, and whether Islam's game plan tells us more about the champion than the challenger.

Plus, how will Conor McGregor be remembered? Chael looks beyond recent headlines to examine the legacy of one of MMA's...

Should Alex Pereira already be ranked at heavyweight?

Chael explains why Ciryl Gane, Alexander Volkov, Sergei Pavlovich, and Josh Hokit all belong in the conversation, where Pereira fits into the rankings, and why moving a former champion into a new division isn't as simple as it sounds.

Then, Chael makes the case for Arman Tsarukyan vs. Charles Oliveira II with the BMF Championship on the line, breaks down what it means for Justin Gaethje, and asks whether Gaethje is preparing for the final fight of his career.

Plus, Dana White says there will...

Should Kamaru Usman retire? or has he finally found the right division?

Chael explains why Kamaru Usman's performance against Dricus du Plessis may have changed the conversation, why a permanent move to middleweight could extend his career, and whether another title run is still within reach.

Then, Chael breaks down the middleweight title picture. Does Dricus du Plessis deserve another championship opportunity? Where does Nassourdine Imavov fit? And has the UFC already decided who's next?

Plus, Arman Tsarukyan makes a statement in freestyle wrestling. Chael explains why the performance, and more importantly, Arman's...

Kamaru Usman vs. Dricus Du Plessis feels bigger than just another fight. Chael explains why he believes there's far more at stake than fans realize, what the matchup could mean for the middleweight title picture, and why the winner may be one step away from championship gold.

Then, Chael reacts to the fallout from Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway. Is Conor really done, or is everyone rushing to the wrong conclusion? Chael breaks down the biggest misconceptions from the fight, why a return to lightweight matters, and whether a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather still makes sense.<...

Is Conor McGregor done? Chael explains why this conversation is different after seeing Conor's return firsthand, what really happened inside the cage, and whether another comeback is realistic.

Then, Chael breaks down Paddy Pimblett's biggest night yet. From one of the loudest walkouts in UFC history to the lightweight title picture, has Paddy become the UFC's next breakout superstar?

Plus, Gable Steveson impresses in his UFC debut. Chael explains why his striking surprised him, why ranked heavyweights should be calling him out, and why the stoppage in Bobby Green vs. Terrance McKinney was the right...

Conor McGregor may have changed Chael's mind.

After sitting down with Conor in Las Vegas, Chael explains why McGregor looked different, sounded different, and ultimately convinced him he truly believes he can beat Max Holloway. From the weight cut and five-round concerns to Conor's future in the UFC, Chael shares what stood out most from their conversation.

Then, Chael breaks down why Paddy Pimblett may have chosen the toughest possible opponent in Benoît Saint Denis, what a win or loss really means for Paddy's future, and why the matchup carries more risk than reward.

Chael breaks down whether Alex Pereira deserves a rematch with Ciryl Gane, what it means for Tom Aspinall's title reign, why Josh Hokit has become a legitimate option, and whether Herb Dean has been unfairly made the center of the controversy.

Then, Chael revisits Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, explains why the fight wasn't as one-sided as many remember, why Sean O'Malley's comments changed the conversation, and why a rematch may deserve serious consideration.

Plus, can Conor McGregor beat Max Holloway again? Chael explains why there's only one path to victory—and why the fight ha...

Can Conor McGregor really beat Max Holloway at 170 pounds? Chael explains why the weight class isn't the biggest factor—and why, if Conor wins, it'll almost certainly be behind his left hand.

Then, Chael breaks down Josh Hokit's surprising path to the UFC heavyweight title, what Tom Aspinall's injury means for the division, and why Ciryl Gane may already be next in line.

Plus, why Paddy Pimblett may have picked the toughest fight available in Benoît Saint Denis, what confidence really means in MMA, and why coming off a 25-minute war could be Paddy's big...

Jon Jones says he wants to fight again, but Chael explains why his window may be closing faster than people realize. Who makes the most sense: Tom Aspinall, Ciryl Gane, Alex Pereira, or someone else? And why does Chael believe the heavyweight division could leave Jon behind if he waits too long? Then, Chael tackles the reports surrounding Floyd Mayweather's finances, why boxing's biggest paydays have never added up, and what would actually have to change for Floyd to solve the problem. Plus, Herb Dean comes under fire after another controversial weekend. Chael explains why MMA doesn't have a...

Chael breaks down Kamaru Usman's surprise clash with Dricus Du Plessis, why the matchup feels bigger than a title eliminator, and what each fighter really has at stake. Then, Chael explains why the heavyweight division can't move forward until the Tom Aspinall answers the biggest question in the sport. Plus, Ian Garry says he can beat Islam Makhachev and Chael believes more people should take him seriously. Also in Ask Uncle Chael: Ilia Topuria's future, Josh Hokit, weight cutting, Alex Pereira at heavyweight, Colby Covington, and more.

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Justin Gaethje says he's not retiring—but what comes next may be the toughest decision of his career. Chael breaks down Gaethje's comments on retirement, money, legacy, title opportunities, and why Arman Tsarukyan may be the one name that ultimately determines his future. Then, Chael examines Alex Pereira's growing push for a rematch with Ciryl Gane. Does Pereira deserve another shot? Should Gane have to risk his place in line again? And how much should the controversy surrounding their first fight matter?

Plus, a look at the heavyweight picture surrounding Tom Aspinall, the UFC's rematch options, and th...

Chael breaks down Conor's revealing media tour, the controversy surrounding allegations of PED use during his recovery, and why he believes McGregor handled the situation exactly the way a professional athlete should.

Then, the increasingly complicated future of Ilia Topuria. From the aftermath of his war with Justin Gaethje to the realities of five-round championship fights, injuries, inactivity, and possible matchups with Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett, or even a Gaethje rematch.

Plus, Alex Pereira pushes for answers following his loss to Ciryl Gane. Chael examines what options actually exist for an appeal, defends Gane against...

Chael breaks down one of the most fascinating nights in recent MMA history.

After rewatching Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria, Chael explains why the fight wasn't nearly as simple as the final result suggests, why Mark Goddard's controversial decision may have saved a champion, and what Arman Tsarukyan's $1 million bet says about where the lightweight division goes next.

Then, he dives into the heavyweight picture: Tom Aspinall's uncertain future, why Ciryl Gane deserves an apology, the ripple effects of Alex Pereira's loss, and why Josh Hokit may have suddenly become one of the most important...

What started as a dream UFC White House card just got a whole lot messier.

Chael breaks down the suddenly personal feud between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, why this fight may have found the missing ingredient it needed, and whether Topuria will really refuse to shake Gaethje's hand after it's over.

Then, Chael examines one of the biggest unanswered questions in the sport: what's really going on with Tom Aspinall? From Eddie Hearn's involvement to the heavyweight domino effect involving Ciryl Gane, Alex Pereira, Volkov, Pavlovich and Josh Hokit, the entire division could be...