Current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is ready to return to the Octagon this year. After successfully defending his title at UFC 294, the 32-year-old is waiting for his next fight. As the Dagestani fighter waits for his next opponent, fans want to know whom he will face next. Chael Sonnen recently took to his YouTube channel to share his opinion on the whole situation.

The UFC veteran analyzed the upcoming fight at UFC 300 between Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan and felt that Makhachev was hesitant to take on Arman Tsarukyan. Let us find out why the 46-year-old feels this way.

Chael Sonnen predicts Islam Makhachev wants to fight a big name next

Arman Tsarukyan is one of the growing names in the lightweight division. His recent performances inside the Octagon have made him a force to reckon with in the division. His fight against Oliveira holds huge importance as the winner might get a title shot next. However, Sonnen feels Makhachev may not face Tsarukyan if he manages to win the fight at UFC 300.

He said, “What’s the gentleman fighting, Oliveira? I know him very well, but his name is very hard for me to say. Tsarukyan?  Tsarukyan is a stud. If he can get the jump on Oliveira, I really feel he is the one that’s going to draw in Islam. The problem with that is Islam is well aware that he needs guys with big names and big attention and that isn’t it. Now the UFC is going to like it. UFC is going to like it because he fits in different criteria which is he’s new. It’s new blood. I mean, they had no new blood at 155 for so long. They could not get into the Charles Oliveira business fast enough.”

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The pair has a bit of history between them as Tsarukyan had lost his last fight against Makhachev at UFC Fight Night in 2019 via decision. However, the champion recently revealed that he was willing to give Dustin Poirier a chance to fight him after his performance at UFC 299. But why did he choose ‘The Diamond’ next?

Islam Makhachev reveals the reason for choosing Dustin Poirier

32-year-old Islam Makhachev is desperate to fight three times in 2024. With the UFC 300 just around the corner, some of the biggest names in the lightweight division are featured. As such, the Dagestani fighter finds himself in a dilemma for his proposed return in June. Therefore, the champion feels Dustin Poirier is the only available option. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Makhachev gave his reasons for wanting to fight ‘The Diamond’ next. 

He said, “I know Dustin does not deserve the title fight, but we don’t have any option right now… Everybody is busy. I want to fight. I want to fight three times this year ,I have to call out someone, and Poirier is free now.” He further added, “He have a good guillotine. I will take him down, he will try the guillotine, and I will take his back and choke him. That’s it.” With Makhachev confident of taking out Dustin Poirier, it will be interesting to see if they fight each other next.

Who do you feel Islam Makhachev should face next in his career? Let us know in the comments below.

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