Islam Makhachev`s recent decision to move up to the welterweight division has sparked debate: is it a bold strategic move or an avoidance tactic?
Fresh off five consecutive lightweight title defenses, the UFC champion is now aiming to challenge for a belt in a higher weight class.
Following UFC 315, Islam Makhachev announced his intention to move to the welterweight division, setting his sights on challenging the current champion, Jack Della Maddalena, for a second belt.
To do so, Makhachev would need to vacate his lightweight title, a move reminiscent of his rival Ilia Topuria, who moved up from featherweight to challenge for the lightweight championship.
While some commend Makhachev`s willingness to challenge himself at 170 pounds, others view his move critically, suggesting he is avoiding a highly anticipated superfight against Ilia Topuria – a matchup many believe could rival the historical significance of Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov.
UFC Analyst Chael Sonnen Labels Makhachev`s Move `Cowardice`
Makhachev`s potential move to welterweight has been discussed previously; he had indicated he would not challenge for the title if his friend Belal Muhammad held it.
According to three-time UFC title challenger and current analyst Chael Sonnen, this previous stance provides insight into Makhachev`s decision. Sonnen commented on the welterweight move:
Speaking on `Good Guy / Bad Guy,` Sonnen asserted, “Islam`s move wasn`t driven by courage or the desire for more accolades. It came with a specific condition: not having to fight Belal Muhammad. He might claim he could beat Belal, but the fact remains he entered a division explicitly stating he wouldn`t face a top contender there. That`s not courageous; it`s a clear sign of cowardice. I find the whole idea unappealing.”
Sonnen Implies Makhachev is Avoiding Ilia Topuria
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria, the undisputed featherweight champion, has been actively campaigning for a lightweight title opportunity.
Ilia Topuria is set to face Charles Oliveira for a version of the lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28th. After this fight was announced, Topuria and Makhachev traded barbs online, with Topuria notably labeling Makhachev a `coward` for avoiding a fight with him.
Sonnen further elaborated on Makhachev`s situation regarding Topuria, stating, “You have an undefeated, top-ranked champion actively pursuing you. He`s prepared to vacate his title and leave his division solely to chase you. The fact that you appear so determined to avoid this individual that you`re willing to give up your own belt and division, with your entire move contingent on not fighting him, is fundamentally uncharacteristic of a true champion.”
