Chael Sonnen News

Curtis Calhoun - April 14, 2026

One of Jon Jones’ biggest rivals didn’t hold back on the former two-division UFC champion’s latest retirement promises. After missing out on the upcoming UFC White House card, Jon Jones publicly called for his release from the promotion amidst an ongoing feud with CEO Dana White. According to Jones, White and the matchmakers ‘lowballed’ him in contract negotiations to fight at UFC Freedom 250, and he was asking for more than $15 million to fight the likes of Alex Pereira or Tom Aspinall.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 14, 2026

Chael Sonnen has no issue with UFC CEO Dana White leaving Jon Jones off the Freedom 250 card. Jones had been pounding the table to be featured at the historic White House event. At the same time, “Bones” continued flirting with permanent retirement and a comeback. There’s also Jones’ past legal issues, which left White wary of booking perhaps the greatest MMA fighter of all time for such a show.

Curtis Calhoun - April 9, 2026

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen believes the UFC has a significant marketing problem surrounding Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg. UFC 327 is hours away as former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Jiri Prochazka and streaking contender Carlos Ulberg fight for the vacant light heavyweight championship in the main event. Prochazka’s recent wins over Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill catapulted him back into the title mix, while Ulberg’s impressive win streak earned the talented New Zealander a shot at the belt.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 6, 2026

Michael Chandler may be on his way to retirement soon if Chael Sonnen’s hunch proves to be correct. Chandler is scheduled to compete on the UFC Freedom 250 card on June 14. He will be facing Mauricio Ruffy in a bout that many believe was made to enhance the Brazilian bruiser’s stock. Some believe that Chandler might hang up his gloves depending on the outcome of the fight.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 1, 2026

If Chael Sonnen’s hunch proves to be correct, then fight fans will miss out on Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 3. Much has been made over Nate Diaz’s recent appearance on “This Past Weekend.” During the podcast appearance, the Stockton native said he didn’t want to be the first opponent for McGregor since he’s returning from an injury. Diaz did express interest in the trilogy if the “Notorious” one makes a successful return.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 18, 2026

To many, Conor McGregor and Jon Jones being showcased on the UFC White House card would be a slam dunk, but Chael Sonnen doesn’t think it’s a good long-term move. UFC appears to be drawing closer to announcing the White House card. Dana White revealed to reporters that the card has been finalized, but he isn’t ready to share details. McGregor quickly deleted a social media post claiming he has accepted a bout, which sparked speculation.

Harry Kettle - February 18, 2026

MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has explained why he believes Alex Pereira will be part of the UFC White House card. As we know, Alex Pereira is easily one of the biggest stars in all of mixed martial arts – and perhaps in the entirety of combat sports. His run since arriving in the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable, and even at this point in his career, he still seems to have a bright future ahead of him.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 10, 2026

Chael Sonnen doesn’t believe Jon Jones is out of the all-time great conversation due to past controversies with drug testing. There’s no doubting that “Bones” is one of the most talented fighters to ever enter the MMA space. His lone defeat has been heavily disputed, as he was disqualified in his 2009 bout against Matt Hamill for using 12-6 elbows, which were illegal at the time. Many argued that referee Steve Mazzagatti should’ve stopped the fight well before Jones even landed the elbows.

Curtis Calhoun - January 8, 2026

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen isn’t buying Justin Gaethje’s recent dismissal of a possible staph infection suffered ahead of UFC 324. Justin Gaethje will get his second chance at winning an interim lightweight title later this month when he clashes with Paddy Pimblett in the UFC 324 main event. Gaethje and Pimblett will fight for the interim belt amid Ilia Topuria’s ongoing hiatus from competition.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 24, 2025

Jake Paul suffered a knockout loss to Anthony Joshua and a broken jaw for good measure, but one UFC icon is left unsatisfied. Netflix announced that 33 million global viewers tuned in for the boxing match between Paul and Joshua. “El Gallo” moved out of danger early and often, but it was only a matter of time before he began to slow down. Joshua then broke Paul down with punches before landing a massive right hand that ended the fight.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 19, 2025

Anderson Silva is happy that his relationship with Chael Sonnen is on far better terms these days. At one time, Silva and Sonnen had the most intense rivalry in all of combat sports. Sonnen made his share of disparaging remarks about Silva and Brazil to the point where the UFC brass feared for his safety. Ultimately, Silva defeated Sonnen twice inside the Octagon and the two squashed their beef. By the time Silva and Sonnen fought once more inside a boxing ring, there was no animosity at all.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 17, 2025

One well-known analyst has shifted his opinion on Ilia Topuria’s status as the UFC Lightweight Champion. Topuria might be holding the main 155-pound title, but he will not be featured in the next lightweight championship bout. Instead, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will be fighting for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship on Jan. 24. The bout will headline UFC 324, which will be UFC’s debut event on Paramount+.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 16, 2025

A former UFC title contender isn’t sold on Conor McGregor fighting on the White House card. McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021, yet UFC continues to use him to market the promotion’s debut on Paramount+. The “Notorious” one is the biggest name to ever compete in UFC and he has vowed to fight again. It hasn’t happened since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in their trilogy fight.

Curtis Calhoun - November 13, 2025

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen named Leon Edwards the best fighter on the roster despite a two-fight skid entering UFC 322. UFC 322 is just hours away at Madison Square Garden, headlined by a welterweight title matchup between champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. The UFC 322 co-main event features a super fight between UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko and longtime strawweight titleholder Zhang Weili.

Dylan Bowker - November 12, 2025

Chael Sonnen did not mince words when talking about the blockbuster viability that Ronda Rousey was said to have had in her career as an active fighter. During an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Sonnen delved into discussing the former UFC bantamweight champion and called into question the purported elements of just how popular a star the MMA promotion claimed she was in her heyday.

Harry Kettle - November 11, 2025

MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has praised flyweight star Muhammad Mokaev and thinks he’s heading back to the UFC. For the longest time now, Muhammad Mokaev has been viewed as an incredibly exciting prospect at flyweight. During his time with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, it certainly seemed as if he was building his way towards a title shot. Alas, in the end, that didn’t quite come to fruition, and he was instead released following his big win over Manel Kape.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 26, 2025

Chael Sonnen’s controversial comment post-UFC 321 has a lot of people talking, including a retired standup warrior. During the UFC 321 post-fight show, Sonnen reacted to Tom Aspinall being unable to continue after being poked in both eyes by Ciryl Gane this past Saturday.

Chris Taylor - October 25, 2025

Former UFC title challengers Chael Sonnen and Anthony Smith believe Tom Aspinall should’ve continued to fight at UFC 321. Aspinall (15-3 MMA) was looking to record the first defense of his recently claimed undisputed heavyweight title earlier this afternoon in Abu Dhabi. The Brit had of course been promoted to undisputed champion earlier this summer, this after former title holder Jon Jones announced his abrupt retirement from the sport back in June.