LAS VEGAS – Rob Hewitt, Fighters Only Founder and CEO, is thrilled to reveal that MMA legend, inimitable media mogul, and apparent Presidential hopeful Chael Sonnen will return to host the 17th Annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards on Wednesday, July 8, live from SAHARA Theatre at SAHARA Las Vegas and for the first time streaming globally on Rumble, courtesy of a new Global Live Streaming Partnership.
Sonnen, himself a two-time Fighters Only World MMA Award winner, returns to host the leading industry event for the fifth consecutive year. A seemingly omnipresent MMA analyst, host of "You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen," and highly respected MMA insider, Sonnen's wealth of knowledge of the sport both in the cage and behind the scenes, coupled with his unique observations and unrelenting desire to deliver them without filter – while also remaining everyone's favorite Uncle Chael – continue to make him the perfect candidate to command the stage in the annual ceremony.
"It's another MMA Awards where the Fighter of the Year, Journalist of the Year, and Personality of the Year is also going to be hosting," Sonnen stated with his signature wit. "As my first official press announcement from the White House, I am hosting the Fighters Only World MMA Awards. With my second press release, I will be pardoning, then deporting, Jon Jones."
Sonnen then signed off with a reminder of his recent announcement he plans to run for President of the United States in 2028.
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Celebrities, industry executives, personalities, and a who's who of fighters will take to the red carpet once again at the 17th Annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards to celebrate the achievements from the stars of Mixed Martial Arts in this year's exclusive event, where the winners, as decided by fans around the world, will take home a coveted World MMA Award.
"Chael has proven himself time and time again as the perfect host for the Fighters Only World MMA Awards, and we're pleased to be able to bring him back in the role once again," Hewitt said. "The knowledge and passion he maintains for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts is clear, not to mention the athletes and leading figures that make it all possible, but Chael's sense of humor and off-script interjections often provide some of the night's most memorable moments. This year, it will all air live on Rumble, so tune in, because oftentimes it seems no one other than 'The Bad Guy' himself seems to know what's going to come next.
"It's been a long road back to this moment, and we're proud to once again welcome the amazing fans of our sport to witness an incredible event at SAHARA Las Vegas."
The 17th Annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards highlight the outstanding performances and accomplishments in MMA during the 12-month period between July 2024 and June 2025. However, additional recognitions will be featured to also spotlight the top performances for the remainder of 2025, as well, as the Fighters Only World MMA Awards returns to a true annual format for the first time since 2018.
Fans can see a full list of this year's nominees at WorldMMAAwards.com.
ABOUT FIGHTERS ONLY
Fighters Only Magazine was the world's first Mixed Martial Arts and lifestyle magazine, having launched in the U.K. in 2005. By 2008, the publication was on sale in 33 countries worldwide. A dedicated U.S. edition was launched in February 2007 featuring content for the largest market in the world, followed by Canadian, German, Mexican and South African editions.
Fighters Only content is now accessible via the Fighters Only app. Digital versions of the complete Fighters Only back catalogue as well as new monthly editions of the magazine can accessed via iOS and Android devices on iTunes and Google Play, as well as via its website at FightersOnly.com. The proprietary technology IP behind the Fighters Only app is wholly owned by Fighters Only parent company i2media Ltd. It has the capability to speak to each of the 1 billion MMA fans around the world in their own language, sharing an unparalleled library of content depicting the history of the sport.
The company launched the Fighters Only World MMA Awards in 2008 to celebrate the achievements of everyone within the global sport of Mixed Martial Arts and has since established itself as the premier industry awards annual event. Each year, an industry panel of experts selects nominees across more than 20 different categories. Once nominees are announced, fans inherit the power to determine the winner by voting for nominees through the official Awards website, WorldMMAAwards.com, using their mobile devices, smart phones, or personal computers. The most anticipated awards include "Fighter of the Year," "Knockout of the Year," and "Fight of the Year." Awards are presented to recipients during a highly prestigious live gala event attended by a who's who of athletes, fighters, celebrities and other famous personalities in sports and entertainment.
ABOUT RUMBLE
Rumble is a Freedom-First Technology Platform™ with a mission to protect a free and open internet. The platform spans cloud, AI, and digital media, including its namesake video service, and is built on a foundation of customer independence and free speech. For more information, visit corp.rumble.com.
ABOUT SAHARA LAS VEGAS
SAHARA Las Vegas is an all-encompassing resort and casino with 1,613 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers, more than 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, The Pool and a collection of acclaimed restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The 60,000-square-foot casino features elegant designs and a newly expanded slot floor with approximately 30 of the latest slot machines from the world’s top gaming content creators, bringing the total to more than 650 machines. The casino features more than 30 classic table games, the Infinity High Limit Lounge and a sports book operated by global gaming leader William Hill. An impressive selection of culinary and cocktail offerings includes Maroon, a Caribbean Steakhouse by James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi (arriving spring 2026); Balla Italian Soul by James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain; famed Philadelphia sports bar Chickie’s & Pete’s; The Noodle Den; CASBAR Lounge; Uno Más; Prendi; The Tangier; and Zeffer’s Café. SAHARA Las Vegas is also proud to serve as home to MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas presented by Channing Tatum. SAHARA Las Vegas players can also enjoy the perks of an Infinity Rewards membership, a joint loyalty program between SAHARA and its sister property Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Reno, which gives players the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards across both destinations. SAHARA Las Vegas is a minority-owned business certified by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. For more information, please visit saharalasvegas.com and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook and X.
