Islam Makhachev Called Out For ‘Cowardly’ Move To Avoid Ilia Topuria Fight

UFC veteran Chael Sonnen calls out Islam Makhachev for running away from featherweight king Ilia Topuria.

Islam Makhachev Called Out For ‘Cowardly’ Move To Avoid Ilia Topuria Fight

Chael Sonnen believes Islam Makhachev avoided to fight with Ilia Topuria (via Imago)

After months of anticipation, the UFC lightweight division finally gains clarity as its reigning champion, Islam Makhachev makes a major decision. Makhachev has vacated his belt to pursue championship glory in the welterweight division, aiming to cement his legacy across weight classes. Meanwhile, UFC 317 will feature Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira battling for the vacant title in a high-stakes showdown.

By vacating the title, Makhachev ended hopes for a superfight with Topuria, disappointing many MMA fans worldwide. The Georgian-Spanish rising star seized the opportunity to taunt the pound-for-pound ace, accusing him of running away from their clash. On the Good Guy/Bad Guy Show, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen recently shared his unfiltered thoughts on this controversial situation.

You (Makhachev) have an undefeated number one ranked world champion (Topuria) who’s chasing you down. He is willing to leave his division behind. He’s willing to walk away from his belt to chase you down. You are so interested in getting away from this guy that you not only leave your belt, you leave your division, and the whole thing is only contingent that you don’t have to fight. This is not the way champions conduct themselves.

Makhachev had expressed interest in a second belt long before Topuria’s move up or their heated rivalry ever began brewing. Had Belal Muhammad emerged victorious at UFC 315, Makhachev may have defended against Topuria instead of chasing a welterweight crown. But with Jack Della Maddalena as champion, Makhachev decided to prioritize legacy over public demand, pursuing greatness without hesitation or regret.

Responding to Topuria’s accusations, Makhachev firmly reminded him of his dominant reign as the lightweight champion. With four successful defenses, the Dagestani now stands as the most accomplished 155-pound champion in UFC history. Makhachev teased a future bout with Topuria, but the Georgian-Spanish dismissed any immediate title showdown between them after UFC 317.

UFC veteran reviews Islam Makhachev’s welterweight title bout 

Islam Makhachev has repeatedly demonstrated why he holds the pound-for-pound throne, dominating opponents with unmatched skill and composure consistently. His dominance makes him the fan favorite in nearly every matchup, especially against elite contenders in the stacked lightweight division. That aura now transcends into welterweight, where many expect him to defeat new champion Jack Della Maddalena without much struggle.

Islam Makhachev's chances against Jack Della Maddalena
Islam Makhachev’s chances against Jack Della Maddalena (via Imago/X)

However, after Della Maddalena’s performance at UFC 315 against Belal Muhammad, public perception of the matchup shifted noticeably. The Australian sensation boasts elite striking and strong takedown defense, potentially creating serious challenges for the grappling-heavy style of Makhachev. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier recently weighed in, offering a fair analysis of both fighters’ strengths in this anticipated clash.

Della Maddalena surprised me in his fight with Belal Muhammad, like, he just showed that he's much better than people gave him credit for, so well-rounded, so skilled…I think it'll come down to the wrestling of Islam versus Jack's takedown defense, and how stingy is he gonna be able to be with Islam. Because when Islam can take guys down early, they really struggle. The only time a fight looks competitive is when they can defend takedowns.

At UFC 315, Muhammad strayed from his strengths, choosing to strike in hopes of winning fan approval over strategy. This decision backfired as he attempted too few takedowns, only realizing the error when it was far too late. Makhachev, known for his superior fight IQ, is unlikely to make such tactical mistakes in a high-stakes matchup.

According to longtime coach Javier Mendez, Makhachev outperforms Muhammad in every aspect and will bring far more danger inside the octagon. The key question now becomes whether Della Maddalena can endure the pressure or even pull off a shocking upset.