At a glance
- Two time UFC title challenger, against Anderson Silva and Jon Jones
- You're Welcome! podcast launched in 2014, more than 600 episodes
- About 1.35 million YouTube subscribers (September 2026)
Overview
Chael Sonnen is a former UFC fighter who challenged for a title twice: against Anderson Silva at UFC 117 in 2010, and against Jon Jones at UFC 159 in 2013. His first fight with Silva was inducted into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024.
He became an MMA analyst for ESPN in November 2014, then worked as both an analyst and a fighter for Bellator starting in 2016. Now independent, he runs his YouTube channel, launched in 2014 and followed by about 1.35 million subscribers, along with the You're Welcome! podcast.
What you'll find
On YouTube, Sonnen posts almost every day. He comments on MMA news in short and long formats: fight announcements, fighters' comments, results and what is at stake on upcoming cards.
The You're Welcome! podcast, launched in 2014 and distributed by PodcastOne and Blue Wire, has more than 600 episodes. It comes out Tuesdays and Fridays and includes the Ask Uncle Chael segment, where he answers listener questions.
Why follow
Sonnen was at the center of some of the most talked about fights in UFC history, and he knows the inner workings of the UFC, Bellator and the media. He explains negotiations, fight promotion and how a fighter builds a career, with the showmanship that made his name.
The posting frequency is a real plus: you get his read on the news almost day by day. His channel is also one of the most followed in English language MMA, with about 1.35 million subscribers. Keep in mind that he happily blends analysis with his persona: his takes are often bold, which is part of the fun but calls for some perspective. His time at ESPN and Bellator also gives him a view of how broadcasters and promotions work together, which comes through when he talks about fight deals and matchmaking. His Hall of Fame fight with Silva is also worth watching before you dive into his commentary, since he refers back to that era often.
MMA Official's take
This is for fans who want a near daily read on MMA news with a lot of personality. Start with one of his short videos on a recent UFC announcement to get a feel for his style. Then listen to an episode of You're Welcome! with the Ask Uncle Chael segment, where he takes fan questions.