Let’s set the stage. UFC 317 is nine weeks out, and Dana White still hasn’t locked in a headliner. While du Plessis vs. Chimaev is being saved for a later event, as White confirmed at UFC Kansas City, the UFC desperately needs a blockbuster for June 28. That’s where the noise around Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria has surged. Topuria’s already in camp. Islam, who seems to be looking up a weight class and away from his most marketable threat at 155, is also in camp.
Islam Makhachev might be riding a perfect record inside the Octagon. Still, outside of it, he’s running into the cold realities of UFC politics. The voice delivering the verdict isn’t some outsider. It’s former title contender, analyst, and respected veteran Chael Sonnen, who laid it all out in his recent YouTube video with the blunt precision only a lifelong competitor could muster.
Sonnen isn’t buying the reigning lightweight champion’s passive approach to matchmaking, especially when fans are waiting for clarity and a headliner. The veteran analyst told his fans on his YouTube channel. “Ilia Topuria just did what Islam wants to do. Islam’s not allowed to do it. Ilia did do it,” he said directly.
This is about what gets rewarded and what doesn’t. Topuria, the featherweight champion, made the bold call. He’s already tested himself against the best at 145. Now, he’s looking to chase greatness at 155. Makhachev, on the other hand, is sitting on a belt. The problem, for Uncle Chael, is that Islam is trying to bypass the line.
Chael continued, “There cannot be a precedence where the inmates are running the asylum… That will not happen.”
If you’re new to UFC, understand this: fighters don’t run the show. The UFC is a machine. Dana White and the matchmakers run it on business. That’s what Sonnen’s hammering on. Makhachev, as good as he is, doesn’t get to hold up an entire division while he tries to cherry-pick his next move.
MMA: UFC 298-Volkanovski vs Topuria Feb 17, 2024 Anaheim, California, USA Ilia Topuria fights against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Anaheim Honda Center California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20240217_gav_sv5_175
The reality check continued: “He’s not doing it. He’s not going out. He’s not seeking it. He’s not lobbying. He’s not campaigning for it. But if the opportunity came to him to go up even if the opponent was Belal he would take it.” Islam won’t pursue Belal Muhammad at 170, but he’ll take the fight if it’s handed to him. That’s passive opportunism and not suited for a champion. And, this makes him different from Ilia Topuria.
Dana White has moved on, and UFC 317 won’t wait for Islam Makhachev to make up his mind
Now enter Dana White’s chessboard. All eyes have turned to Topuria as the potential savior of the June card. And make no mistake, the UFC needs a savior for that event. Ilia Topuria brings fireworks. Whereas the current lightweight champion, despite his elite record, isn’t moving the needle on his own. The matchup makes perfect business sense. But instead of seizing the moment, Islam is stalling. Worse, he’s rejecting the Topuria fight outright – at least for now. Uncle Chael isn’t convinced with the grounds -Ilia “hasn’t done anything in this weight class.” Chael doesn’t hold back on that logic, “We’ll just take that same argument and stick it up your a– at 170 where you haven’t done anything.”
Islam can’t duck Topuria because he’s new to lightweight, while simultaneously trying to jump to welterweight, where he hasn’t laid a finger on anyone. Sonnen, in his veteran tone, doesn’t say this with malice. He says it because UFC punishes hesitation.
White’s comments about du Plessis vs. Chimaev, “That fight’s done… It’s just not happening in International Fight Week…”, tell how strategic the UFC is being right now. They’re spacing out their big guns. And with Poirier vs. Holloway 3 headlining UFC 318 in July, that means UFC 317 is Islam’s moment — if he wants it. If he doesn’t take it, Topuria might get the stage anyway, just with someone else.
Chael wrapped up the matter on his YouTube episode, Beyond the Fight, with a critical final blow: “That is not the attitude of our number one contenders.” Topuria’s move to 155 comes with risk, but Sonnen emphasized what sets him apart, “Ilia did have one tremendous difference which is the courage to vacate… He fought the absolute best at [1]45… now he’s trying to fight the absolute best at [1]55.”
So what now? UFC 317 needs a headliner. Ilia Topuria is available. He’s already working. But, Makhachev? He’s got to decide if he’s still fighting or just holding a belt. Because in the UFC, the cage never stays empty. It just waits for someone who says yes. What do you think – should Islam step up and fight Topuria at UFC 317, or is he right to wait it out? Drop your take in the comments. Let’s hear who you’re backing and why.
The post Bad News for Islam Makhachev as Dana White’s Plans for Ilia Topuria to Save UFC 317 Gets Veteran’s Grim Verdict appeared first on EssentiallySports.