Islam Makhachev Slammed for “Stupid Stuff” Targeted at Oliveira, Dariush, Poirier, Gaethje & Others

At UFC 284 in Perth, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will face featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. It is one of the most high-stakes fights in recent history, with the #1 pound-for-pound status and lightweight title on the line.

‘The Great’ is a formidable opponent. So, the upcoming fight is going to be a nail-biting battle between two of the best fighters in the UFC. The Russian remains confident about his chances in the fight. However, his recent statement has sparked criticism from a UFC legend, who thinks the lightweight champion may be overconfident.

The UFC legend shared his views on the matter and gave his expert opinion on the upcoming fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski. ‘The Great’s experience and skills in the ring will be a major challenge for the lightweight champ. However, the Dagestani is famous for his confidence and aggressive fighting style.

Chael Sonnen critiques Islam Makhachev claiming cleaning up division

UFC legend Chael Sonnen has expressed his concerns about Makhachev‘s recent claims of cleaning up the division. According to Sonnen, the Russian should be careful about making such statements. Especially if he plans to move to another division in the future. ‘The American Gangster’ believes that the 31-year-old’s claims could be seen as disrespectful to the other fighters in the lightweight division. Fighters have worked hard to establish themselves in their respective weight classes.

Sonnen pointed out that the champion’s first defense of his title is against an opponent from a different weight class. This can be seen as unfair to fighters such as Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and others who are competing in the lightweight division. The legend says, “These are silly things, but you’re gonna be responsible for the stupid stuff you say. There’s few things worse than making a claim that your guy is gonna clean out a division.“

Sonnen also questioned the meaning of cleaning out a division. According to the 29-14 record holder, this raises questions about the champion’s commitment to the lightweight division and whether he is truly there for the division or not.

Chael Sonnen debates the meaning of Makhachev cleaning out a division

According to Sonnen, a champion should be able to leave whenever they want, and fight whomever they want, without having to worry about cleaning out the division.

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He said, “You’re the champion. Leave when you want. That’s what champions do.”

He further added, “You fight who you want, you beat them all, and you leave whenever you please.”

In the same vein, Sonnen uses a hypothetical scenario to explain his point of view. He says that if you are in a meeting with your boss and the meeting is over, you stand up to say goodbye, but the boss stays seated. The reason the boss stays seated is that they are in charge. Similarly, a champion should be able to leave when they want and fight whomever they want, without having to clean out the division.

What do you think about the statement made by Chael Sonnen? Who do you think would become a double-division champ in UFC 284?

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