Is Islam Makhachev`s decision to move up to welterweight a display of courage or a sign of avoidance? After securing his lightweight title five times, the champion is reportedly planning to step up a weight class to potentially challenge the new welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, for a second belt following UFC 315.
This move would require Makhachev to vacate his lightweight title, mirroring a path previously considered by his potential rival, Ilia Topuria, who also contemplated moving up from featherweight to challenge for the lightweight crown.
While some applaud Makhachev`s willingness to test himself at 170 pounds, others, including a prominent UFC figure, criticize the decision, suggesting it sidesteps a highly anticipated showdown with Ilia Topuria—a fight many believed could be the most significant in UFC history since Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Chael Sonnen Calls Islam Makhachev’s UFC Move ‘a Sign of Cowardice’
Makhachev has previously expressed interest in moving to welterweight but stated he wouldn`t do so if his friend Belal Muhammad held the championship. This condition struck former three-time UFC title challenger and current analyst Chael Sonnen as telling.
Speaking on “Good Guy / Bad Guy,” Sonnen offered his perspective on Makhachev`s planned move:
“Islam went up, not out of courage,” Sonnen asserted. “Islam did not go up out of adding hardware to put on his mantle. He went up with one condition, which is I don’t have to fight Belal Muhammad. He can sit around and say, ‘I could beat Belal. I wouldn’t go up and because I can beat Belal…’”
Sonnen continued, arguing, “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.”
Chael Sonnen Suggests Islam Makhachev Avoided Ilia Topuria
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria has been vocal about his desire for a lightweight title fight. Topuria is now scheduled to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant title at UFC 317. Shortly after this fight was announced, Topuria and Makhachev exchanged words online, with Topuria labeling Makhachev a ‘coward’ for not facing him.
Sonnen echoed this sentiment regarding Makhachev’s decision:
“You have an undefeated number one ranked world champion who’s chasing you down,” Sonnen said, referring to Topuria. “[Topuria] is willing to leave his division behind. He’s willing to walk away from his belt to chase you down.”
He concluded by criticizing Makhachev`s actions: “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,” Sonnen stated.
Gareth Pendleton