'Sit back and watch, uncle Chael': Makhachev responds as Sonnen accuses him of running from a real fight
Chael Sonnen has publicly criticized Islam Makhachev's decision to vacate his lightweight title and move up to the welterweight division. Sonnen accused Makhachev of avoiding a fight with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, suggesting that the Dagestani fighter is sidestepping a highly anticipated bout. (Image: UFC)
Former UFC fighter and current MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has once again stirred the pot, this time aiming UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The outspoken commentator who criticized Makhachev for choosing to leave the 155-pound division to fight at welterweight, accusing him of dodging a potential super-fight with featherweight king Ilia Topuria.
'He did everything he could to not fight Topuria… even abandoning the division and his championship belt. That says it all,' Sonnen said in a video on his YouTube channel, where he often gives blunt takes on MMA news.
Sonnen, who never lets any punch go unanswered, made these comments after the UFC confirmed that Makhachev would not defend his lightweight belt. Instead, he's moving up to face rising star Jack Della Maddalena at welterweight later this year. With that move, the UFC has declared the lightweight belt vacant.
The now-vacant title will be contested at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, where Ilia Topuria will face former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira. Many fans had hoped to see a champion vs champion clash between Topuria and Makhachev, but those plans are off the table, at least for now. Makhachev was quick to respond to Sonnen's criticism on social media. In a pointed tweet, he said: 'Chasing fame and money is not the same as chasing greatness in sport. But the average athlete, who talked his way to the top, won't understand that. So please, sit back and watch how it's done, Uncle Chael. Double champ.'
The heated back-and-forth has added drama to an already shifting UFC landscape. Makhachev has long been seen as a dominant force in the lightweight division, and his move to welterweight could open doors to historic accomplishments, but also criticism.Makhachev, a protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, holds a 14-fight win streak in the UFC. His decision to move up in weight follows years of dominance, with notable wins over Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Alexander Volkanovski.Still, critics like Sonnen argue that legacy isn't built by avoiding top contenders. Whether Makhachev proves them wrong in the welterweight division remains to be seen.
For now, UFC fans are left with two burning questions: Can Makhachev become a double champ? Is Islam Makhachev avoiding a fight with Ilia Topuria in the lightweight division?
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