Chael Sonnen challenges Francis Ngannou to arm wrestling match on Helwani show

About this episode

Ariel Helwani interviews UFC legend Chael Sonnen in an wide-ranging conversation covering the biggest storylines in MMA heading into International Fight Week. Sonnen makes headlines by publicly challenging Francis Ngannou to an arm wrestling match on Helwani's show in July 2027 to settle their longstanding beef, proposing a one-time, right-arm-only contest styled after the film Over The Top. The interview's centerpiece is Sonnen's analysis of Conor McGregor's upcoming fight with Max Holloway, where he reveals exclusive information from a recent McGregor interview: the Irishman disclosed he will have to cut weight to reach 170 pounds for the first time ever, walking around closer to 180. Sonnen makes an emphatic prediction that McGregor cannot physically survive past three rounds, calling it anatomically impossible given his compound fracture recovery, six-year layoff, and weight class change. He defends McGregor against New York Times allegations of PED use, stating McGregor followed exact protocol by removing himself from USADA testing while injured. Sonnen also reveals tremendous regret about not running for Oregon governor, admitting he backed down after a meeting with Dana White created an arrangement for him to wait. The conversation touches on Sonnen's own career including his painful memories of nearly defeating Anderson Silva at UFC 117, his weight cutting struggles at 185 pounds, and his perspective on post-retirement challenges facing fighters like Dustin Poirier. Sonnen praises the production quality of the recent White House fights and defends Josh Hocket's controversial comments as calculated character development that won't be fully understood for another year.