Since Islam Makhachev decided to move to the welterweight division to fight for a second title, Chael Sonnen has been vocal about his disdain for the move. He further triggered the wrath of Team Khabib when reports came out that the UFC legend called the ex-lightweight champ a ‘coward’. Why? Simply because Makhachev chose to move up a weight class rather than defend the lightweight strap against Ilia Topuria, which was the fight that fans were hoping to see. However, it appears that all of this was a big “misunderstanding,” according to Sonnen.
Islam Makhachev, his coach Javier Mendez, and others called out Chael Sonnen for what they believed was unfair criticism. But it all boils down to what the reports claimed about his statement, as ‘The American Gangster’ blamed the media outlet that misinterpreted his use of the word ‘cowardice’. Sonnen claims that his relationship with Makhachev is now in a better place, but he wasn’t happy with what led to their verbal altercation.
There have been instances when Islam Makhachev has been pretty vocal about his dislike towards certain things people say to him. Remember when he confronted Dustin Poirier while facing off ahead of UFC 302 after ‘The Diamond’ cussed at him? Similarly, the soon-to-be former lightweight champion didn’t take Chael Sonnen’s words too kindly either, which led to a brief back-and-forth on social media. But at the end of the day, they’ve set aside their differences.
“Yes, we’re good. There was actually based on a misunderstanding. There was a quote that came out from somebody pretty big. I think it was called ‘MMA Uncensored. They misquoted me and I was talking of a situation that was cowardice, and it got reported as that I said that about Islam,” Chael Sonnen told The Schmo. “Those are like really offensive words to a Dagestani, apparently. So he defended himself, and, you know, we had to play whack-a-mole. But he’s back in his cage. He’s doing great.”
MMA: UFC 311 Makhachev vs Moicano Jan 18, 2025 Inglewood, California, USA Islam Makhachev red gloves reacts after defeating Renato Moicano blue gloves in a lightweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Inglewood Intuit Dome California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20250118_jhp_sv5_0501
Meanwhile, that’s not the only thing he opined when it came to Islam Makhachev. Chael Sonnen also supported the Dagestan native’s decision to move to 170 lbs, but for one particular reason. Let’s take a look at what ‘The American Gangster’ had to say.
Chael Sonnen claims Islam Makhachev deserves to get his wish
A few days ago, Daniel Cormier defended Islam Makhachev’s decision to fight in the welterweight division. He argued that the Dagestan native has always been onboard with what the UFC has asked of him. Fighting literally every fighter Dana White has put in front of him, he even had to amass a long winning streak to get his hands on the title. ‘DC’ concluded that Makhachev is right to ask for a fight to win a second belt, which is the same sentiment Chael Sonnen echoed during his interview with The Schmo.
“Islam wants to go up to 170. Islam has never asked us, the community, for anything except for a chance to go to 170,” Chael Sonnen added. “Like, I feel, as a community, we have to get behind him when it’s the only thing he’s ever asked for.” Well, it seems like Islam Makhachev is slowly getting people behind him as ‘The American Gangster’ is the most recent to join his bandwagon of supporters calling for his shot for a second belt.
Well, Jack Della Maddalena has already asked to fight Islam Makhachev as he wants to avenge Alexander Volkanovski. Moreover, the fight is going to happen no matter what, because Dana White has doubled down on materializing it. Fans have already witnessed Makhachev sporting a bigger physique since his move to 170 lbs. So, we’ll have to wait and see how things pan out for the soon-to-be former lightweight champion. Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.
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