Claim OwnershipYou're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen
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© 2023 You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen 197817
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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.
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On today’s episode, I return to mid-December when Gilbert Burns gave me an early Christmas present by posting my phone number online because I claimed he was retired. So, I take your calls and texts (while learning how to group-FaceTime) and try to figure out whether Burns is retired, and what his next matchup should be if he isn’t. To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Fees may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 9/29/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
I’m revisiting the Raja Jackson incident to explain my take on it again. Then, my thoughts on Sean O’Malley admitting he tried to emulate Conor McGregor a little too much, and also why Suga' believes nobody can beat Khamzat Chimaev.Also, Bo Nickal returns to wrestling this weekend for Real American Freestyle - but does fighting in the UFC give him an advantage on the mat? Plus, I’ll tell you whether I agree with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s list of the biggest threats to Islam Makhachev, and who should face Ilia Topuria next for the lightweight championship. And finally, what actually makes Dagestani fighters so dominant?Chapters:Raja Jackson incident (00:00)O’Malley on McGregor (10:18)O’Malley: No one will beat Chimaev (14:36)Bo Nickal at Real American Freestyle (21:02)Khabib's biggest threats to Makhachev (30:09)Who fights Topuria next? (38:31)Fighters from Dagestan (47:54) To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
After Gable Steveson pulled out of his grappling match with Craig Jones this weekend, I’m stepping in to face Jones instead. Then, my thoughts on Jake Paul’s next fight against Gervonta "Tank" Davis. Also, will Jack Della Maddalena struggle if his fight with Islam Makhachev goes to the ground? And while Makhachev keeps showing interest in facing Ilia Topuria after JDM, I’ll explain why that matchup is unlikely.And does Jon Jones really get to call himself the “forever champion?" And finally, the wild reaction I received to my video about Rampage Jackson’s son, Raja, repeatedly punching an apparently unconscious professional wrestler.CHAPTERS:Me vs. Craig Jones (00:00)Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis (11:39)Will JDM struggle wrestling Makhachev? (20:58)Makhachev vs. Topuria unlikely (31:00)Jon Jones: forever champion? (41:28)Reaction to my Raja Jackson video (51:36) To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Sean Strickland is SUSPENDED! What does it mean for his hopes of becoming a champion again? I'll discus that and the PACKED middleweight division, which features three former champs in Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Israel Adesanya, and a whole bunch of young guys waiting for their shot. Speaking of whom, Reineir de Ridder has a path to the title, but what is it? I'll get into that, and then I'll make Dricus du Plessis an offer he can't refuse. Plus, Jon Jones did an interview half-drunk, my take on the latest pound-for-pound rankings, as well as my thoughts on Gable Steveson's foray into MMA.CHAPTERS:Sean Strickland suspended (00:00)Middleweight title picture (08:14)RDR's path (14:02)DDP's wrestling holes (22:22)Jon Jones (32:13)Pound-for-pound rankings (40:40)Gable Steveson's MMA transition (48:52)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
UFC 319 is in the books, and I begin with the top 10 moments from Saturday night in Chicago. Then, I react to the narrative that the main card was “boring,” and whether that’s fair. Plus, after Khamzat Chimaev’s domination of Dricus du Plessis, I’ll tell you how Chimaev's next opponent can beat him.Also, what's next for Aaron Pico following his brutal loss to Lerone Murphy? And finally, TUF 33 wrapped up on Saturday ... and Team Sonnen won (technically).Chapters:UFC 319 top moments (00:00)Boring main event? (16:46)Best chance at beating Chimaev (26:04)Next for Aaron Pico (35:35)I won The Ultimate Fighter (43:57)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
The UFC signed a massive deal to move to Paramount starting in 2026 - ending pay-per-views! I’ll tell you what that means for fans and fighters. Then, Caio Borralho finds himself in an unusual spot as the backup for UFC 319’s main event in Chicago, while still set to face Nassourdine Imavov in three weeks.Also, Khamzat Chimaev says his striking will be the key to beating Dricus du Plessis, but who’s actually the better striker? Plus, why I’m interested in what happens when an unfiltered du Plessis and Chimaev share a press conference, and whether a loss for Chimaev would be a career ender.Later, a fight week video of du Plessis and Chimaev shaking hands has people debating who’s bigger - but does it really matter? And finally, my official prediction for the main event!Chapters:The end of pay-per-view (00:00)Caio Borralho’s unusual spot (15:24)DDP vs. Chimaev: Better striker? (24:24)UFC 319 press conference (33:19)Is a loss for Chimaev a career ender? (40:39)DDP vs. Chimaev: Who's bigger? (47:46)UFC 319 official prediction (56:00) To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. In New York, call 877 8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Twenty-one plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Bet must win to receive reward. Minimum minus 500 odds required. Bonus bets expire one hundred sixty eight hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/AUDIO
The latest odds for Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev surprised me - I’ll tell you why. And, just how good is DDP, anyway? Plus, a preview of their massive showdown at UFC 319. Later, coming off his win Saturday against Roman Dolidze over the weekend, who should Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez face next? And, I’ve been critical of Brock Lesnar in the past, but I’m glad he’s back in the WWE. Finally, after saying he’d quit social media, Joey Swoll is back.Chapters:Latest odds for DDP vs. Chimaev (00:00)How good is DDP? (09:18)DDP vs. Chimaev matchup (19:40)Who’s next for Fluffy Hernandez? (28:49)Glad Brock Lesnar returned (37:08)Joey Swoll is back (45:05)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
UFC rankings don’t actually matter. I’ll tell you why. Then, Brendan Schaub says Dricus du Plessis could become a three-division champ. Do I agree? Also, why it’s unfair to hold Khamzat Chimaev’s past withdrawals against him, and why questions about his conditioning won’t matter when he faces DDP at UFC 319. Plus, my reaction to rumors of Ronda Rousey’s return to UFC.Chapters:Rankings don’t matter (00:00)Can DDP be a three-division champ? (13:49)Chimaev’s history pulling out of fights (21:07)Chimaev’s conditioning (28:19)Ronda Rousey’s rumored return (37:45)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
Gordon Ryan might be the greatest grappler of all time, but he’s no longer the current No. 1. On today's episode, I'll tell you who is. Then, Khabib Nurmagomedov says Islam Makhachev will face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden, and I’ve got some thoughts on that matchup. Plus, Conor McGregor needs to stop shadowboxing every time he sees a camera.Later, my take on Jake Paul threatening legal action against those claiming his fights are fixed, and my reaction to Brock Lesnar’s WWE return at SummerSlam. And most importantly, a story from my 30-year high school reunion this past weekend.Chapters:Gordon Ryan’s supremacy is over (00:00)Khabib: JDM vs. Makhachev at UFC 322 (09:47)McGregor needs to stop shadowboxing (16:06)Jake Paul's legal battles (21:53)SummerSlam: Brock Lesnar’s return (31:02)Story from high school reunion (40:38) To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 later this year.And following his win over Robert Whittaker, is Reinier de Ridder calling out the wrong guy? And finally, my long-awaited thoughts on fitness influencer Joey Swoll quitting social media after the backlash from his Hulk Hogan tribute.Chapters:Topuria is fighting Tsarukyan (00:00)McGregor’s first drug test in 10 months (08:58)Jon Jones taken down? (18:35)Fernand Lopez: Pressure is on Aspinall (29:51)Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua (40:13)Dana White teases announcement (49:40)RDR calling out the wrong guy? (1:00:12)Joey Swoll quits social media (1:08:49)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 I agree — so why didn’t the fight happen? Plus, after Max Holloway defended his BMF title at UFC 318 against Dustin Poirier, could Dan Hooker be his next challenger? Islam Makhachev also says Ilia Topuria’s No. 1 pound-for-pound ranking is just UFC marketing — but I’m not buying it. And finally, my thoughts on BJ Penn’s video asking Dana White for help.Chapters:Hulk Hogan memories (00:00)Should RDR get a title shot? (12:04)No. 1 contender at light heavyweight (19:57)Javier Mendez: Jones wasn't scared of Aspinall (27:14)Holloway vs. Hooker for BMF title? (37:21)Makhachev: Topuria’s No. 1 ranking only for marketing (44:49)BJ Penn asks Dana White for help (52:41)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 and The White House? (08:10)Khabib's comments on Jones (16:40)Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 (23:50)Strickland suspended (31:56)Whittaker vs. RDR (37:50)Topuria's BMF claim (45:11)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 next move (13:10)The White House card (20:18)Paulo Costa discussing Khamzat Chimaev (29:22)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 McGregor’s pictures (00:00)Return policy? (08:51)Move to Dagestan to become UFC champion? (14:19)Holloway more focused on Topuria than Poirier (25:11)Fight of the night: Ige vs. Pitbull (33:49)Official prediction: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 (40:02)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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. Later, Jon Jones was left off last week’s athlete rankings — but should he still be listed? And finally, how does Khamzat Chimaev beat Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319? Chapters:McGregor’s unsolicited pictures (00:00)McGregor’s BKFC promo (08:55)Derrick Lewis vs. Tallison Teixeira controversy (18:29)Chances of Aspinall vs. Lewis? (27:03)Lewis’ reaction to Teixeira’s illegal fence grab (35:31)Latest on Aspinall’s next opponent (43:26)Jon Jones not in last week’s rankings (51:00)How Chimaev beats du Plessis (58:51)Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In New York, call 878-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 887-897-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). 21+ age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.com/AUDIO. To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 if he beats Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 — I’ll weigh in on that. Also, who is better: Charles Oliveira or Jack Della Maddalena? And finally, how likely are we to see Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria? Chapters:Dream White House card (00:00)Jon Jones on The White House card? (07:11)How Jones regains trust (18:36)Derrick Lewis calls out Tom Aspinall (27:49)Caio Borralho believes Chimaev retires with win (34:02)Who’s better: Oliveira or JDM? (43:23)How likely is Makhachev vs. Topuria? (51:32)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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. And finally, Movsar Evloev says he can do 1500 push-ups in an hour!CHAPTERS:UFC at the White House in 2026 (00:00)Reaction to Jon Jones re-entering testing pool (08:12)What returning to the pool means (18:47)Trust issues between UFC fans and Jones (28:18)Du Plessis’ $10k offer to Chimaev (36:40)Evloev claims he can do 1500 push-ups in an hour (44:42)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 the lightweight title picture, and whether Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, or Islam Makhachev will get the next crack at the new lightweight champ. Plus, why it's about time y'all give Jake Paul the respect he deserves.CHAPTERS:Ilia Topuria is NOT a double champ (00:00)Topuria and McGregor comparisons (10:38)Topuria's already legendary career (20:54)Why Paddy and Gaethje aren't fighting each other (29:46)Paddy is JACKED (41:15)Joe Rogan's hot take on Islam Makhachev (52:22)It's time to respect Jake Paul (01:02:17)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 finally, my sources tell me the Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira rematch is officially happening.CHAPTERS:Topuria vs. Oliveira reaction (00:00)Is Topuria a global superstar? (09:54)Who’s next for Topuria? (20:28)Dana White rejects the idea of Topuria vs Pimblett (30:12)Pantoja deserves credit (40:03)Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 (49:09) To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.
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 about Jones vs. Aspinall (00:00)Dana White is relieved Jones retired (11:15)Apsinall’s next opponent is booked (20:35)What would a Jones return look like? (30:24)Topuria predicts KO (44:43)To support this program, please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or submit a rating on my Spotify page.Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In New York, call 878-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 887-897-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). 21+ age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. New customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.com/AUDIO.
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Why does he keep saying Will Fury?? Where does that even come from... 🤔
He meant to say the range of HW is the largest of any, the gap between the divisions DC jumped is actually the least, there is no real gap, can be 206 at LHW(non title fights) and HW is 206-265lbs.
With him on Chito was the backup plan but somehow he weighed in at 136lbs... meaning he couldn't have fought for the title, would have been a non title fight and maybe the co-main, move the co-main title fight up to the main. How does he not weigh in a lb less, come on man...
FOR THE LAST TIME, SEAN O'MALLEY IS NOT RANKED #1 AT BW, HE'S #2
Did he say Connerdiction?? lol
At least be accurate with the info, it was Nebraska and UofM and one was named champ by one poll and other was named champ by the other poll before they started the BCS or playoffs. He also says can't have 2 champs but he's a big proponent of the interim title and constantly talks about how interim is a legit title, meaning when there's an interim champ the division has 2 champs...
Alex won 29-28, he took rounds 2 and 3, just trying to hold a guy down doesn't make up for the difference in significant strikes.
Chiesa and Holland both like to be on the ground???? 😆 🤣 😂
Costa fought 11 months ago...
I'm going to bet that over 99% of title shots have come off a win. Also a comparison to NBA playoffs doesn't work, they play a best of 7 series and he's talking single fights, doesn't make much sense but uncle Chael's never let that get in the way lol
Chimaev, DDP, Whittaker all beat Bo...
Chael needs to stick to things he knows, hemp and weed are very different, hemp is like NA veer it's about 0.3% and not gonna get much from it, hemp is very useful and many things can be made from it. Hemp has been a legal crop in the US for a while and was only banned for crazy and bs reasons. They are not the same and they've never just changed the name and sold weed as hemp as a way to get around things. States have simply decided 1 by 1 to change the marijuana laws. 🤡
Lol, every hoops player in college/NBA lifts weights they literally have dedicated strength coaches. Chael also told us he doesn't know how TUF even works, it's not a best of 8 or however many fights take place and whichever team has more wins in the end is the winning team, he could lose 7 of his 8 guys but that 8th one wins it Chandlers team lost that division. Pay attention bud.
Sean Strickland started 15-0, no idea where Chael got 17 from...
why did armbars work so well for Rhonda then?
He thinks Leon and Holm would have become champ without kicks.... 🤔🙄
Chael had the same feelings about Leon vs Usman 3...
Who is Zuckerford??
If he wants to get this technical with stuff if you look up the definition of athlete the first words are "a person.." lol, dude just rants on about some nonsense sometimes. Good luck with that court case bud, also the word is PRECEDENT.
Gane landed 6 significant strikes and Jon landed 5, that's the most dominating round in HW history??