You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen

On today's episode, Chael discusses:  Kevin Holland's decision to come out of "retirement" to face Wonderboy Thompson in a main event in December (00:37) Conor McGregor's vow to fight again at welterweight (9:55) How Jorge Masvidal has gone SOFT (20:38) Some betting line movement for the UFC 280 main event between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev (30:51) If Sean O'Malley's skills are sharp enough to beat Petr Yan (38:36) Bo Nickal telling Ariel Helwani that he will only agree to fight on the main card of a pay-per-view (46:50) Plus,  a mystery surrounding Khamzat Chimaev (57:34).Presented by: BirddogsOur Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.co

After an action-packed weekend in MMA, Chael discusses: Mackenzie Dern's performance against Yan Xiaonan in Saturday's UFC main event (00:42) Unforgettable scenes from Aaron Pico's loss to Jeremy Kennedy in Bellator (16:55) A video of Conor McGregor wrestling that has Chael excited about McGregor's eventual return to MMA (27:12) Online words exchanged between McGregor and Michael Bisping (34:34) Who should Colby Covington fight next? (42:17) Presented by: BirddogsOur Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's episode, Chael discusses: Yesterday's news that Bo Nickal will fight Jamie Pickett on Dec. 10, and why Chael thinks that fight won't happen (00:37) What it would take for Colby Covington to accept a fight with Khamzat Chimaev (11:40) Why Chael believes the UFC 280 main card will look different on Oct. 22 (20:33) Michael Chandler's criticism of Islam Makhachev (28:45) Unorthodox training videos from Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira (37:22) Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After a rare off weekend for the UFC, Chael is here to discuss: A lawsuit brewing between Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn, Cris Cyborg's boxing debut, and Floyd Mayweather's fight in Japan this past weekend (00:37) Comments made by Daniel Cormier about Khamzat Chimaev's historic weight miss at UFC 279 (11:33) The link between the mysterious futures of Nate Diaz and Francis Ngannou (18:51) If there's interest in seeing Jose Aldo -- or any great MMA fighter -- go over to boxing at the end of their careers (30:25) Sparring footage of Conor McGregor that came out on Monday (45:27) Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our colle

On today's show, Chael discusses: Kevin Holland's cryptic Instagram post Thursday morning (00:42) How Paulo Costa has suddenly become a fan favorite (13:19) Paddy Pimblett's willingness to fight Conor McGregor (24:43) McGregor's options if/when he returns to the Octagon (35:23) Heat between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler (45:55) The UFC's youngest signee ever (52:24) And more.Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

PROGRAMMING ALERT: "You're Welcome" will now come out on Tuesdays and Fridays. Make sure you're following the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more for all the newest episodes.On today's show, Chael discusses:  UFC and Jose Aldo parting ways, and if this means the legendary Aldo is actually done fighting (00:55) Why Khamzat Chimaev should fight at middleweight (9:52) What the future holds in store for Nate Diaz (17:43) His thoughts on this past weekend's World Wrestling Championships (37:23) And more.Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Upon returning from Phoenix after hosting the Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva press conference, Chael discusses: Seeing Anderson Silva for the first time in years, and a conversation Chael had with Silva's son (00:57) Chael's takeaways from meeting Jake and Logan Paul face-to-face for the first time (8:22) What Khamzat Chimaev's weight-cut fiasco tells us about his future (20:30) How Nate Diaz has positioned his career as he prepares to leave the UFC (33:43) A story about how Brendan Schaub's fighting career ended, and how it relates to Tony Ferguson (45:21) UFC 280's main event from the perspective of both Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev (59:37) A big problem with USA Wrestling (1:10:05) Presented by: DraftKingsIf you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPEN

In this special UFC 279 reaction episode, Chael talks about: The X's and O's of the main event and the emotional inner conflict Chael had watching Nate Diaz fight Tony Ferguson (00:44) What the future holds in store for Ferguson after yet another loss (15:28) Khamzat Chimaev's dominant win over Kevin Holland (22:32) Chimaev's post-fight interview and whether he's succeeding at creating a strong villain persona (30:23) Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

*This episode was published prior to Friday's weigh-in drama and the announcement of the new card.One day before UFC 279 goes down in Las Vegas, Chael discusses: Nate Diaz's new fight promotion, Real Fight, Inc. (00:52) If Khamzat Chimaev is making the right move in portraying himself as a villain (14:23) What to expect from new-look Tony Ferguson at welterweight against Li Jingliang (36:56) What if Diaz actually does the unthinkable tomorrow night? (47:20) Plus, a Kevin Holland story (26:21) and Chael gives his official prediction for tomorrow night's main event (58:42)Presented by: DraftKingsIf you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18

On today's loaded episode, Chael discusses: A video of a heated exchange between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa at the UFC Performance Institute this week (00:50) Ciryl Gane's gutsy win over Tai Tuivasa (8:37) and where Gane fits into the heavyweight title picture (18:57) A peculiar position for Robert Whittaker following his masterclass showing over Marvin Vettori this past weekend (29:33) Kamaru Usman's way of handling his stunning UFC 278 loss to Leon Edwards (37:44) Chael's takeaways from training with Nate Diaz years ago, and what he thinks it means for Diaz's chances against Chimaev this Saturday at UFC 279 (49:28) Presented by: DraftKingsIf you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLIN

On today's episode, Chael talks about: Chael's belief that Leon Edwards cheated against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, and why he stands by his case despite criticism from Dana White (00:50) A different Charles Oliveira as UFC 280 draws closer (14:12) Why we should be heaping praise upon Jake Paul for trying to fight Anderson Silva in the ring (26:19) What's at stake for Saturday's UFC Paris heavyweight main event between Ciryl Gane and Tai Tuivasa (37:22) Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's episode, Chael discusses: The vacant December PPV and if the headliner will be Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic vs. Jones (00:42) If Leon Edwards' fifth-round knockout of Kamaru Usman is the best head-kick in UFC history (10:56) Why Edwards reminds Chael of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (20:35) Colby Covington's place in the welterweight title conversation (29:00) Tonight's ONE Championship title fight between Adriano Moraes and Demetrious Johnson (38:28) Presented by: DaveOur Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A few days after watching Leon Edwards shock the world with a fifth-round head-kick knockout of former pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, Chael discusses: Edwards' inspiring comeback in the final minute of the fight, and why this could actually be a GOOD thing for Kamaru Usman's legacy (00:49) What the welterweight title picture will look like in the coming months (12:58) Luke Rockhold's gutsy performance in the co-main event and why Rockhold shouldn't retire (25:17) A promise Dana White made this weekend, and why he needs to follow through with it (32:12) Joe Rogan's mid-broadcast comments about Nate Diaz's chances of beating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279 next month (40:20) Presented by: DaveOur Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choice

One day before the highly anticipated UFC 278 in Salt Lake City, UT, Chael discusses: What Kamaru Usman really means when he talks about fighting at light heavyweight and boxing Canelo Alvarez (00:52) Luke Rockhold's bold press conference comments and if Paulo Costa will successfully make 185 lbs. (14:46) If tomorrow night could be the last time we see Jose Aldo when he takes on the streaking Merab Dvalishvili (26:26) What's on the line between Rockhold and Costa (33:32) How Usman-Edwards 2 will differ from the first time the guys fought each other in 2015 (39:52) Presented by: DraftKingsIf you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532

Following another great UFC Fight Night and days before a deep UFC 278 card, Chael talks about: Marlon Vera's fourth-round knockout of Dominick Cruz, why Vera is a star in the making, and what he should do in the coming months (00:50) Why Paddy Pimblett needs to stop gaining so much weight after his fights (11:10) If Andrew Tate makes sense as Jake Paul's next boxing opponent (21:05) Luke Rockhold's career path following this weekend's bout with Paulo Costa (29:17) Kamaru Usman saying he's chasing more "respect" (41:09) Presented by: DraftKingsIf you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).21+ (18+ WY). Physically present i

In another jam-packed episode, one of the foremost thinkers in all of MMA talks about: Bo Nickal's potential and what he means to the wrestling community (00:42) If Kamaru Usman talking about boxing and competing in other divisions is distracting him ahead his fight with Leon Edwards next week (12:02) Cesar Gracie's thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nathan Diaz at UFC 279 (20:16) Whether Suga' Sean O'Malley is guaranteed a title shot if he defeats Petr Yan at UFC 280 (30:15) Tomorrow's UFC bantamweight main event between Marlon Vera and former champion Dominick Cruz (35:02) Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our colle

On today's episode, Chael discusses: Jake Paul agreeing to pay the boxers who were slated to fight on the canceled August 6 MSG card (00:43) If Islam Makhachev truly deserves the title shot at UFC 280 (12:13) Why Jorge Masvidal should volunteer to be the backup fighter at UFC 279 (21:11) What's on the line this Saturday between Marlon Vera and Dominick Cruz in San Diego (28:41) If we should expect to see Jon Jones fight in 2022 (37:50) Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a wide-ranging episode, Chael discusses: The making of Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler for UFC 281 in New York, and what will be on the line (00:36) Comparisons between Khamzat Chimaev and the early days of Conor McGregor's career (18:07) If Israel Adesanya needs Alex Pereira more than ever (27:22) Tom Aspinall injury updates and how the UFC should book Paddy Pimblett from here on out (37:11) Presented by: DaveOur Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With UFC 277 now in the rearview mirror, Chael discusses: If Amanda Nunes should face Valentina Shevchenko or Julianna Pena for her bantamweight title defense (00:35) Why Deiveson Figueiredo should move up to 135 lbs. (12:39) The boxing community's puzzling defense of Hasim Rahman Jr. (21:59) An underwhelming UFC 279 main card (35:27) Presented by: DaveOur Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special Sunday UFC 277 reaction show, Chael discusses: Amanda Nunes defeating Julianna Pena in a brutal five-round beatdown (00:42) Brandon Moreno's impressive win over Kai Kara-France and his laughable post-fight interaction with flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (10:10) Magomed Ankalaev's win over Anthony Smith and what Ankalaev must do to put himself in the light heavyweight title shot conversation (15:54) Plus, Chael gives his immediate thoughts on the canceled Aug. 6 bout between Jake Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr. (22:57).Our Sponsors:* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.com* Check out Shopify and use my code chael for a great deal: https://www.shopify.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for ad