Islam Makhachev Will Retire This Year Because of Dana White & Co.’s Decision Involving Charles Oliveira, UFC Legend Explains LW Champ’s Dilemma

The UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is currently seemingly bulletproof. With his dominant finish over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, the lightweight champ has managed to secure his No. 1 PFP ranking in the UFC. Nevertheless, a UFC legend suggests Makhachev wouldn’t necessarily stay in the UFC for too long.

UFC Legend and MMA analyst, Chael Sonnen in one of his recent YouTube videos, suggested that Islam Makhachev may be unhappy with where he currently is with the UFC. He could have assumed that due to Makhachev voicing out his disappointment with the fights being offered to him by Dana White and the UFC. Here is what Chal Sonnen had to say about this.

Chael Sonnen warning the UFC of Islam Makhachev’s early retirement

In Sonnen’s YouTube video, the UFC legend made a bold statement suggesting that UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev could retire early if not given matchups that interest him. He compared the situation to that of Makhachev’s friend and former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who also retired early into his career.

Sonnen went on to explain that options are getting low for Dana White and the UFC for keeping Makhachev interested in fights. Especially after pointing out that it would be impossible for Makhachev to make weight at 155lbs three times a year. Also, keeping into account his reluctance to fight against people he’s already fought, saying, “I bring that to you because Islam has already done a rematch and now he’s openly saying I don’t want to do rematches and they’re gonna find a way.”

“They’re gonna do that match [Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira 2]and they’re gonna find out a lot sooner than they would have to find out that Islam’s done,” says the UFC legend, warning the UFC and Dana White regarding forcing a rematch between Islam Makhachev against Charles Oliveira would eventually lead to Makhachev opting for an early retirement.

Given that there are very few fights left for Makhachev in the lightweight division, leaving aside the rematches, how accurate are Chael Sonnen’s predictions for the lightweight champion?

UFC Lightweight champion sets his eyes on a welterweight title fight

Islam Makhachev was in attendance for the last card of the 2023 year, UFC 296. The card was headlined by Leon Edwards and Colby Covington. Before the fight against Edwards took place, Covington was aiming for a super fight against Makhachev. However, Edwards had a dominating performance against Covington, which spoiled the American’s aspirations.

The UFC lightweight champion, on the other hand, wasn’t as impressed with the fight as it failed to live up to the hype it had built. After the fight, Makhachev posted a tweet saying, “I will finish both these guy(s)”. The lackluster performance made Makhachev believe that the welterweight title was there for the picking.

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Given the lightweight champion’s eagerness to fight for a super fight for the welterweight title, how likely is it that the UFC will grant Islam Makhachev the title shot? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Also Read: Khabib Nurmagomedov Revealing Islam Makhachev’s Old Training Footage With Coach Abdulmanap Before Becoming The UFC Champion Leaves MMA Fans Amazed