Published by 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.
Listen on Apple Podcasts59 min
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 in MMA today. And another edition of Ask Uncle Chael , featuring questions on fight forfeitures, rankings, Carlos Condit , Thomas Hearns , and more. Level up your workout. Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/CHAEL . That’s F-I-T-B-O-D dot M-E slash CHAEL. Limited Time Offer — Get 20% OFF Zapply T1 Testo Charge with code WELCOME at us.tryzapply.com/WELCOME . Thank you to Zapply for partnering with You're Welcome! To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
39 min
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 biggest stars and why history often tells a different story than the moment. Also, Merab Dvalishvili and Henry Cejudo meet again on the wrestling mat, and Chael explains why their rivalry continues to challenge everything he thought he knew about elite wrestling. Finally, Chael maps out the light heavyweight division as Carlos Ulberg recovers and contenders position themselves for the next title opportunity. Level up your workout. Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/CHAEL . That’s F-I-T-B-O-D dot M-E slash CHAEL. Limited Time Offer — Get 20% OFF Zapply T1 Testo Charge with code WELCOME at us.tryzapply.com/WELCOME . Thank you to Zapply for partnering with You're Welcome! To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
45 min
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 never be another Conor McGregor. Chael explains why he agrees, why timing mattered just as much as talent, what made Ronda Rousey and Kimbo Slice cultural phenomena, and what the UFC's next superstar will actually look like. And another edition of Ask Uncle Chael, featuring questions on Colby Covington, Ben Askren, Paddy Pimblett, youth wrestling, and more. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
34 min
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 mindset after defeat, left him more convinced than ever that Tsarukyan will become a UFC champion. Finally, Chael reacts to Conor McGregor's recovery, why he believes Conor's mindset has changed, and what a rematch with Max Holloway could look like. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
35 min
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. Plus, Chael makes the case for Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, explains why former champions deserve more respect when moving up in weight, and shares what impressed him most about Gable Steveson's UFC debut and why the heavyweight division should already be paying attention. Level up your workout. Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/CHAEL . That’s F-I-T-B-O-D dot M-E slash CHAEL. Limited Time Offer — Get 20% OFF Zapply T1 Testo Charge with code WELCOME at us.tryzapply.com/WELCOME . Thank you to Zapply for partnering with You're Welcome! To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
28 min
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 call. Level up your workout. Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/CHAEL . That’s F-I-T-B-O-D dot M-E slash CHAEL. Limited Time Offer — Get 20% OFF Zapply T1 Testo Charge with code WELCOME at us.tryzapply.com/WELCOME . Thank you to Zapply for partnering with You're Welcome! To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
46 min
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. Plus, Chael responds to the latest controversy surrounding Conor McGregor and PED allegations, explains why he believes the criticism misses the mark, and weighs in on the growing conversation around Josh Hokit and Gable Steveson, urging fans to let two of wrestling's top heavyweight prospects develop before rushing the rivalry. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
44 min
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 has to end long before the championship rounds. Limited Time Offer — Get 20% OFF Zapply T1 Testo Charge with code WELCOME at us.tryzapply.com/WELCOME . Thank you to Zapply for partnering with You're Welcome! Level up your workout. Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/CHAEL . That’s F-I-T-B-O-D dot M-E slash CHAEL. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
42 min
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 biggest advantage. Chael also weighs in on the criticism surrounding Herb Dean and MMA officiating. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
39 min
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 rules problem. It has an enforcement problem. And why warnings, fence grabs, eye pokes, hair pulls, and illegal strikes all deserve the same standard. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
48 min
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. Head to https://www.tryfum.com/WELCOMECHAEL to get your free gift with purchase, and start The Good Habit today! To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
41 min
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 the difficult balancing act between rewarding former champions and moving divisions forward. Head to https://www.tryfum.com/WELCOMECHAEL to get your free gift with purchase, and start The Good Habit today! To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 0 min
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 accusations of intentional fouls, and answers your questions in Ask Uncle Chael. Limited Time Offer — Get 20% OFF Zapply T1 Testo Charge with code WELCOME at us.tryzapply.com/WELCOME . Thank you to Zapply for partnering with You're Welcome! Level up your workout. Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/CHAEL . That’s F-I-T-B-O-D dot M-E slash CHAEL To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
59 min
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 names in the division. Plus, Tyson Fury's White House appearance, Dana White's boxing ambitions, and the chaotic aftermath of Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dillon Danis at Real American Freestyle—including the brawl that stole headlines after the match ended. Limited Time Offer — Get 20% OFF Zapply T1 Testo Charge with code WELCOME at us.tryzapply.com/WELCOME . Thank you to Zapply for partnering with You're Welcome! Level up your workout. Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/CHAEL . That’s F-I-T-B-O-D dot M-E slash CHAEL. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 0 min
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 reshaped by one result. Plus, Chael weighs in on Dricus du Plessis calling out Kamaru Usman for not signing, why contract delays can destroy title hopes, and answers your questions during Ask Uncle Chael: including Sean O'Malley, Michael Chandler, Islam Makhachev, and Bo Nickal. Head to https://www.tryfum.com/WELCOMECHAEL to get your free gift with purchase, and start The Good Habit today! To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
52 min
The UFC's White House card could change everything—and Chael explains why the biggest story might not be the one everyone's expecting. Could Bo Nickal force his way back into title conversations? Is Michael Chandler nearing the end of his MMA career? And why does Chael believe Josh Hokit could become one of the week's biggest headlines? Chael also breaks down why Justin Gaethje may have a much better chance against Ilia Topuria than many believe—and why Arman Tsarukyan reportedly put a million dollars behind Gaethje. Then, Chael explores what's next for Belal Muhammad - Sean O'Malley's honesty about his position at bantamweight and why so few fighters truly embrace the "I'll fight anybody" mentality. Head to https://www.tryfum.com/WELCOMECHAEL to get your free gift with purchase, and start The Good Habit today! To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
45 min
Chael examines the biggest unanswered question in the UFC: What is really going on with Tom Aspinall? From the eye injury timeline and interim title implications to Alex Pereira’s surprising prediction that Aspinall won’t be next, Chael follows the clues that nobody else seems to be discussing. Plus, are fans wildly overestimating Ilia Topuria, why Justin Gaethje may have a far better chance than anyone admits, and Chael unloads on Anthony Joshua’s latest MMA comments. All that, plus Chael answers your questions in another edition of Ask Uncle Chael. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
33 min
Chael Sonnen witnessed the Jon Jones and Gable Steveson relationship firsthand, and it wasn’t what anyone thought. What looked like a strategic alliance turned out to be something much more real. But that's only the beginning. Plus, what is Eddie Hearn actually doing for Tom Aspinall? Why Arman Tsarukyan may be one fight away from becoming the UFC’s biggest star. And a contradiction at the center of the Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria debate that nobody, except Chael, seems willing to talk about. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
52 min
Chael revisits the Rico Verhoeven vs Oleksandr Usyk controversy and admits the backlash may have missed the real story. From referee outrage and boxing corruption claims to the UFC potentially keeping Ilia Topuria away from Islam Makhachev, Chael breaks down the chaos behind combat sports right now. Plus: Khamzat Chimaev’s weight-cut drama, Justin Gaethje being ignored, Conor McGregor at 170, and Ronda Rousey pulling herself back into the headlines. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
32 min
Chael Sonnen drops breaking news on a massive UFC fight as Kamaru Usman is reportedly set to move up and face Dricus du Plessis in one of the most important fights at middleweight. But what does it actually mean? Is this a true No. 1 contender fight? Does Sean Strickland get bypassed? And where does Khamzat Chimaev fit into the chaos now? Chael also dives into the controversial Rico Verhoeven vs Oleksandr Usyk crossover boxing match, the referee scandal, accusations of corruption, and why boxing keeps damaging its own credibility. Plus, why crossover fights rarely succeed financially, and how Francis Ngannou, Tyson Fury, Floyd Mayweather, and Conor McGregor changed the way combat sports are viewed forever. To support this program, please review it on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Observed July 30, 2026.
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