Chael Sonnen Set to Become the ‘Jesse Ventura Meets Joe Rogan’ of Real American Freestyle

Chael Sonnen’s new role with Real American Freestyle just got a whole lot clearer, thanks to Eric Bischoff spelling it out on his 83 Weeks podcast. While the news of Sonnen signing on as a commentator was already out, Bischoff finally explained what fans can expect when “The American Gangster” picks up the microphone on August 30 in Cleveland.

During the May 2025 episode titled RAF Signs Chael Sonnen, Conrad Thompson brought up some late-breaking news. He asked Bischoff if he wanted to share anything about Chael Sonnen’s involvement. That’s when Bischoff confirmed the deal and shed light on how important the signing is.

“Yeah, very excited to announce this. We signed Chael Sonnen. I’ve been talking to him for a couple of weeks and we’re finally able to hammer out an agreement. So grateful to have him on board. Chael brings a lot of knowledge, experience, credibility, and entertainment to the table, and I can’t wait to work with him.”

Bischoff didn’t stop there. He made it clear that Sonnen already feels like the perfect addition for what this new promotion is aiming to become.

“Just the little bit I’ve been able to communicate with him so far — he’s perfect. Just perfect for what we’re going to do.”

Thompson then pointed out that Bischoff hadn’t mentioned exactly what Sonnen would be doing, prompting a bit of a laugh before Bischoff clarified.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Yeah, that would be a good idea. I assumed everybody could read my mind — the power of podcasting! I thought maybe there was some telepathy involved here. No, Chael’s coming on as our color commentator. He’s certainly got a tremendous background in amateur wrestling, knows freestyle inside and out, the MMA equation — also very, very important in what we’re going to do.”

Then came the quote that defines the entire vibe Bischoff envisions for Sonnen in this role.

“So yeah, he’ll be our color. He’ll be our… I don’t know, maybe kind of Jesse Ventura slash Joe Rogan type of color commentator. So very much looking forward to it.”

Chael Sonnen has always had a gift for talking, and with his background in wrestling and MMA, this commentary role may fit him like a glove. Fans who tune in to Real American Freestyle’s debut on August 30 can now expect a blend of unfiltered analysis, combat sports knowledge, and classic showmanship — exactly what Bischoff is going for with his “Ventura meets Rogan” blueprint.

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