UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev is reportedly planning a move to the welterweight division after securing five consecutive title defenses. His sights are seemingly set on challenging the newly crowned champion, Jack Della Maddalena, for a second championship belt. Such a move would necessitate Makhachev vacating his lightweight title, a path previously considered by Ilia Topuria when he eyed the lightweight division from featherweight.
While some observers commend Makhachev`s ambition in targeting the 170-pound division, others are critical, particularly given the potential super-fight with Ilia Topuria that would now be sidestepped. A matchup between Makhachev and Topuria had been speculated as potentially the biggest fight in UFC history since the legendary clash between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Chael Sonnen Labels Makhachev’s Welterweight Decision a ‘Sign of Cowardice’
According to three-time UFC title challenger and current analyst Chael Sonnen, Makhachev`s planned move up in weight is not driven by bravery. Sonnen pointed to Makhachev`s previous statement indicating he would not challenge for the welterweight title if his friend Belal Muhammad held the belt.
Speaking on his show, “Good Guy / Bad Guy,” Sonnen argued, “Islam went up, not out of courage… He went up with one condition, which is I don’t have to fight Belal Muhammad… The bottom line is you entered a division openly that you said you wouldn’t face one of the top guys. That’s not a sign of courage. That’s a sign of cowardice. I don’t love the idea.”
Sonnen Suggests Islam Makhachev is Avoiding Ilia Topuria
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria has been vocal about wanting a fight with Makhachev and has even expressed interest in moving up to lightweight. Topuria is now scheduled to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28th. Following the announcement, Topuria and Makhachev exchanged heated words online, with Topuria calling the lightweight champion a `coward` for not agreeing to face him.
Sonnen echoed this sentiment, stating, “You have an undefeated number one ranked world champion who’s chasing you down… [Topuria] is willing to leave his division behind. He’s willing to walk away from his belt to chase you down.”
He concluded, “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.”
Percy Harlow