Islam Makhachev ‘ducking’ accusations bashed by UFC legend: “Real insult to him”

UFC veteran slams critics for doubting lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's intentions to fight Ilia Topuria.

Islam Makhachev ‘ducking’ accusations bashed by UFC legend: “Real insult to him”

Chael Sonnen comments on Islam Makhachev rejecting Ilia Topuira's fight (via X/Imago)

Islam Makhachev has created a reputation for himself with his consistent domination of the lightweight division. The pound-for-pound ace is currently being challenged by the former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who wants to dethrone the Dagestani. As the discourse around the rivalry has intensified, many experts, such as Chael Sonnen, have chimed in with their own theories. 

Makhachev has never shied away from any challenges and believes in fighting anybody as the lightweight champion. However, recent reports suggested that the fighter has rejected UFC’s offer to fight Topuria. As expected, this created a negative wave of criticism against the champion for backing out on his own principle. In a recent podcast, Sonnen talked about this and slammed the critics for their comments. 

My first sense is that it’s fake news, and it’s a real insult to Islam. I don’t think Islam is scared to fight anybody. I believe it to be nothing more than a rumor.

Chael Sonnen via The Good Guy/Bad Guy Show 

Sonnen backed his opinion by giving examples like UFC 311, where Makhachev accepted to fight Renato Moicano on short notice. The Dagestani dominated the Brazilian and finished him in the first round via submission, sending a statement to his opponents. Sonnen also expressed that it was unfair for the UFC to ask Makhachev to fight a featherweight fighter for the third time. 

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Makhachev has already defended his belt against former 145-lbs champion Alexander Volkanovski twice. Many fans and experts believe that beating Topuria will not bring any credit to Makhachev and his resume. However, there is a huge part of fans who want this superfight and the UFC is undoubtedly interested in that too.

UFC veteran suggests making Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria fight 

The UFC lightweight division is undoubtedly the most competitive in the whole roster. It is stacked with absolute killers who are eager to get their hands on Islam Makhachev’s title. Apart from Ilia Topuria, big names such as Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Justin Gaethje are in line for a title opportunity.

Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria should be made
Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria should be made (via X)

Oliveira proved his title contendership after beating Michael Chandler at UFC 309. Tsarukyan is already the #1 contender in the division. Gaethje believes he also deserves a shot after his last win at UFC 313. Amidst the ongoing drama, UFC veteran Daniel Cormier has turned into matchmaker, suggesting ideas to UFC. 

Topuria vs. Islam Makhachev. Yes. Book it. Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan. Book it. Whoever wins fights Makhachev. That’s it, right there. That’s it. Topuria gets the shot. Tsarukyan, Gaethje. Winner gets the title fight. We’re back in line at 155.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel 
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Topuria and Makhachev had already established a rivalry that started after a few online back-and-forths. The knockout specialist doesn’t think Makhachev has anything special and believes he could dethrone him. On the other hand, the Dagestani is on incredible momentum and doesn’t think Topuria deserves the title shot. 

Islam Makhachev’s ultimate dream 

Islam Makhachev has already defended his lightweight belt four times since becoming the champion. On paper, he is the most successful lightweight in the history of UFC. On top of that, he’s a complete champion with great striking and unparalleled wrestling skills.

Islam Makhachev wins at UFC 311
Islam Makhachev wins at UFC 311 (via BBC)

Makhachev’s biggest motivation has always been to move up and fight for the double champion status. However, with Belal Muhammad as the welterweight king, things are at a halt. There is a possibility of Makhachev fighting for the middleweight champion, but it seems too far-fetched. 

Muhammad has also talked about potentially moving up and leaving the welterweight belt for Makhachev. However, all these are theories, and fans are way too desperate to wait. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see how the lightweight king fares in his next outing in the UFC.