Islam Makhachev`s aspiration to become a double champion received a significant boost at UFC 315, potentially bringing him within one fight of achieving this goal.
At the recent UFC 315 event, Jack Della Maddalena claimed the welterweight title after defeating Belal Muhammad in a five-round contest. Following the main event, the current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, who faced criticism for comments regarding Muhammad`s loss, sent a challenge to the new welterweight king.
UFC President Dana White later confirmed that discussions are underway for Della Maddalena`s first title defense, with Makhachev being the likely challenger.
Chael Sonnen Questions Islam Makhachev`s Dual Title Intentions
Despite his move up to the 170lb division, Makhachev has stated his intention to retain his 155lb title and defend both belts if he is successful against Della Maddalena. However, the welterweight challenger has been highlighted as a tough test by experts like former title challenger Stephen Thompson and Dan Hardy, who has even predicted a Della Maddalena victory.
The lightweight champion`s plan to hold and defend titles in two weight classes has been questioned by UFC legend Chael Sonnen, who suggested Makhachev might not be entirely upfront about his long-term intentions.
“Islam is a smaller guy but he’s going to be plenty big for 170. Islam is a man of his word, he’s a man of integrity, and that’s where it does concern me a bit as an Islam fan,” Sonnen explained in a recent video.
“He’s saying right now that he’s gonna go to 170 and be champ champ and go back to 155. I don’t want to call Islam dishonest, he’s never said anything remotely dishonest but guys, I don’t believe him. I believe he has that belief and perhaps he has that intention which is all he can do,” Sonnen continued.
Makhachev`s Perceived Avoidance of Ilia Topuria
Sonnen`s skepticism is partly fueled by Makhachev`s apparent continuous refusal to face Ilia Topuria, a top contender in the lightweight division. Sonnen believes that even if Makhachev achieves double-champion status by defeating Della Maddalena, he will still lack interest in fighting Topuria.
Topuria is now expected to compete against fellow contender Charles Oliveira, although it remains unclear whether this fight will be for an interim lightweight title or simply to determine the next number one contender.
