Islam Makhachev’s Big Dreams Faces Major Warning from UFC Legend Chael Sonnen: “He is a Smaller Guy”

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen questions Islam Makhachev's ultimate plan to maintain two divisions as the double champion.

Islam Makhachev’s Big Dreams Faces Major Warning from UFC Legend Chael Sonnen: “He is a Smaller Guy”

Chael Sonnen questions Islam Makhachev's ultimate dream (via X)

Islam Makhachev is currently chasing greatness as the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world, seeking legendary MMA status. He has successfully defended his lightweight title four times, more than anybody else in the long and decorated history of UFC. Now, the Dagestani wants to move up and fight Jack Della Maddalena for welterweight gold, facing rising uncertainty.

However, there are some doubts about his success in the higher weight class against the dangerous Australian. Makhachev has promised not to vacate the lightweight title and potentially move back to fight the next top contender. UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen recently discussed the ambitious dream and publicly shared his personal doubts about its success.

Islam is a smaller guy, but he’s going to be plenty big for 170. Islam is a man of his word, he’s a man of great integrity. And that’s where it does concern me a little bit as an Islam fan. He’s saying he’s going to 170, be champ-champ, go back to 155. I don’t want to call Islam dishonest, but I don’t believe him. 

Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel 

Before UFC 315, Makhachev had two clear options, depending on the result of Della Maddalena versus Belal Muhammad’s welterweight showdown. If Muhammad had successfully defended his welterweight belt, Makhachev would have been forced to fight Ilia Topuria next instead. But now with Makhachev moving up, the Georgian-Spanish fighter might face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 instead.

If everything aligns perfectly,  Makhachev might return, but managing two stacked divisions will be a monumental task for anyone. Before that can happen, the Dagestani must survive a war with Della Maddalena, who’s hungry and in terrifying form. JDM sees this as his chance to shatter the hype around Makhachev and make his own legacy unforgettable.

UFC veteran picks Jack Della Maddalena to beat Islam Makhachev 

At UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena shocked everyone by outclassing Belal Muhammad and ultimately picking up a unanimous decision victory. Muhammad wanted to demonstrate his striking prowess for which he kept the fight mostly on the feet. By doing this, he abandoned his natural wrestling-heavy style, which he paid for by losing his belt. 

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev prediction
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev prediction (via X)

The few takedowns that Muhammad attempted were easily stopped by Della Maddalena, showcasing his evolving defensive skills and awareness. After his dominant win, the Australian superstar called for the fight against Islam Makhachev to happen in front of his home crowd. Many, including veteran analyst Dan Hardy, believe JDM’s current form gives him a real chance to win.

I think Della Maddalena has a bright future…I don’t think he’s going to lose it to Makhachev, though. Della Maddalena looked very, very sharp against Belal, and I wonder what Makhachev would look like as a welterweight. Whether he would look as strong and as lean, or whether he’d look heavier and potentially gas himself out because he’d be stepping straight into a five-round fight

Dan Hardy via Submission Radio

If Della Maddalena beats Makhachev, it would be monumental and significantly elevate his status among global UFC fans. Following that potential win, JDM must defend his title against dangerous contenders like Ian Machado Garry, Joaquin Buckley, and Sean Brady. The big question remains whether his reign will last longer than Belal Muhammad’s or end just as quickly.

On the other hand, if Islam Makhachev wins, it would make the Dagestani one of the most successful fighters in history. There are only three fighters who have held two belts simultaneously and Makhachev could be the fourth one. Given the high stakes, everybody is eagerly waiting for UFC’s official announcement.