Islam Makhachev has a very good reason for moving up to welterweight rather than fighting Ilia Topuria, according to a former UFC world title challenger.
A showdown between the pound-for-pound number one and ‘El Matador’ looked on the cusp of coming to fruition, until Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad for the 170lbs throne.
Now, the Dagestani is targeting a match-up with the Australian, which has scuppered the likelihood of a contest with Topuria.
However, in the eyes of an icon, Makhachev didn’t make the decision because he’s afraid of the Spanish-Georgian.
Chael Sonnen says Islam Makhachev did not run from Ilia Topuria
Chael Sonnen is adamant that Islam Makhachev has set his sights on Jack Della Maddalena, not because he’s frightened of trading leather with Ilia Topuria, but because he’s excited by the prospect of becoming a two-weight UFC champion.
However, he concedes that the history books may tell a different story.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen claimed: “He did not run from Ilia. He is running towards a new challenge, we understand that.
“Five years from now, if you look back on this story, you won’t understand that. It’s going to look as though Ilia was the more sincere of the two. That’s my only claim.”
He then discussed a disagreement he’s had with Ariel Helwani regarding the situation.
‘The American Gangster’ asserted: “Ariel is strongly of the belief that Ilia, when he left the 145lbs title, was promised a 155lbs title shot. I don’t believe that.”
He added: “It’s another disagreement that Ariel and I had, but I don’t think he should be mad at me. I feel as though perhaps I was misunderstood, so I’m attempting to lay this out one more time. I will do it politely for this last time.
“If it’s still misunderstood, the nice version of me trying to explain this is not the one you’re going to hear from.”
Chael Sonnen says Ilia Topuria needs to chase Islam Makhachev to welterweight
While Topuria’s hopes of getting his hands on Makhachev have been dampened for the time being, all hope is not lost, because Sonnen is confident that the power puncher could end up fighting his adversary at welterweight.
In a separate YouTube video, he said: “If Ilia Topuria is truly chasing down Islam Makhachev, if that is the great story — Topuria vs Islam — go chase him down.
“Strategically speaking, he should’ve gone from 145lbs to 170lbs, and he would’ve had him. You can’t tell him he can fight Islam for the world title and then tell him he can’t fight Islam for the world title — it’s the same thing.
“We’re arguing about something that’s never been done anyway, we’ve never had champ, champ, champ.
“If he can get through Charles Oliveira, that’s good enough to get him to Islam. If he’s good enough for Islam now, he’s good enough for Islam at 170lbs.
“That’s his argument; he needs to make it. I’m not pleading this case for him; I’m letting you know, the number one key is not having the punches and the kicks. The number one key is getting the opportunity.”