Chael Sonnen Signs New Multi-Year Extension With ESPN

Chael Sonnen, a former UFC Middleweight and Gentle Heavyweight title contender and longtime MMA studio and on-site analyst, has signed a brand new multi-year extension with ESPN. Per his new settlement, Sonnen will proceed to cowl UFC battle weekends and, together with MMA Insider Ariel Helwani, proceed to co-host the ESPN+ unique sequence Ariel & the Dangerous Man.

“To cite the late, nice, Glenn Frey ‘A lot has occurred; however nothing has modified.’ After so many fantastic experiences, I’m glad to say I’m STILL with the Worldwide Chief in Sports activities, ESPN. Simply re-signed. Right here’s to the longer term with ESPN,” stated Sonnen.

“We’re thrilled that Chael can be with us for years to return,” stated Glenn Jacobs, ESPN Vice President of Manufacturing. “Whilst an analyst, he nonetheless has the largest arm and the best appeal. Doubtless, Chael stays undefeated and undisputed and helps make ESPN the place to be for UFC followers.”

Sonnen joined ESPN in 2015 as an analyst, offering skilled pre- and post-fight perception on SportsCenter’s protection of main UFC pay-per-view occasions. When ESPN acquired unique rights to all UFC occasions in the USA starting January 2019, Sonnen’s duties expanded to incorporate contribution round all UFC PPV occasions and main information tales, and in addition consists of cohosting, as “The Dangerous Man,” A&BG. A fan favourite with the dynamic between Sonnen and Helwani at its coronary heart, the weekly program breaks down the MMA weekend and appears forward to the largest playing cards.

Sonnen — who fought for the UFC world title thrice at two totally different weight lessons, towards former UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva (twice) and UFC Gentle Heavyweight champion Jon Jones — retired with an expert MMA file of 30-17-1. He made his ESPN commentator debut in November 2014 previous to UFC 180, showing all through the weekend on SportsCenter.

He has served as a UFC analyst for FOX Sports activities and was a coach on “The Final Fighter: Workforce Jones vs. Workforce Sonnen,” which aired on FX, and “The Final Fighter Brazil: Workforce Wanderlei vs. Workforce Sonnen.” TUF archives can be found on ESPN+. The platform will even be the unique dwelling of TUF 29 set to debut June 1.

Sonnen, an Oregon native, attended the College of Oregon, the place he was an NCAA All-American wrestler.