Islam Makhachev’s Plans to Outdo Khabib Stalled by Abdulmanap’s Promise as Welterweight Ambitions Get Put on Hold Once Again

Islam Makhachev enters 2024 as a champion, setting his sights on the welterweight division and the coveted championship belt. Makhachev has meticulously observed the welterweight division, recognizing that an opportunity may arise for him. The lightweight champion has even called out Leon Edwards and Colby Covington stating that he would finish them both. However, something is holding him back from chasing this ambition, or so a UFC veteran thinks.

Chael Sonnen expressed the belief that his allegiance and code of conduct with the Nurmagomedov family ͏are constraining him. In his most recent video, Sonnen ͏provided his ͏perspective on the challenges Makhache͏v faces in remaining in the lightweight division and ͏suggested that a move to welterweight may be imminent. Let’s see what ‘The Bad Guy’ had to say.

Chael Sonnen reveals what’s keeping Islam Makhachev in the 155 lbs division

Islam Makhachev has a very profound relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his deceased father, Abdulmamap Nurmagomedov. The lightweight champion gives the credit for his success to them always. Makhachev never goes against their wishes and Chael Sonnen believes that this might be one of the reasons why he will stay in the lightweight division for a long time.

Sonnen, in his recent YouTube video, explained that Makhachev in this current scenario will be looking forward to fighting someone from the welterweight division to stake a claim for the welterweight title. However, the retired UFC star is skeptical about that. “Islam is a competitor, and he has honor. He lives by a code, and one piece of that code is to pay homage to Nurmagomedov, including the late Nurmagomedov. A true champion doesn’t say no when asked to fight. However, what he is being asked to do is what no fighter wants: to do the same thing twice,” said Sonnen.

He further added, “Fighters generally dislike rematches. Why would they? Why take that risk? Why go through it again? It doesn’t matter what the story was. It doesn’t matter if you beat me up for 20 minutes and I won in 5 seconds with a submission. Sometimes you get lucky; the guy is in the rearview, and I’m cheering for you. Islam is being asked to do matches that do not have that caveat.”

Down in the conversation, Sonnen also explained why Makhachev going to the welterweight division would be beneficial for him as well as the UFC. A statement that is completely different from what the West Linn, Oregon native said a few months ago.

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Sonnen explains Makhachev’s future in the welterweight division

The 3-time UFC title challenger suggested that Makhachev currently lacks a lightweight division opponent. ‘The American Gangster’ clarified that neither Charles Oliveira nor Makhachev seemed eager to face each other. Sonnen elaborates on Makhachev having offered Alexander Volkanovski opportunities for the lightweight title, speculating that Makhachev might expect the UFC to reciprocate and provide him with similar chances to progress in his career.

“Islam versus Leon, I don’t make belief for you that it’s some kind of an incredible fight that we’re all dying to see, but I will tell you as clearly as I know how to speak. You could take the greatest venue that the UFC played, Madison Square Garden, and you could put Islam in a title defense because he will be the champion against Rakhmonov. And now, all of a sudden, you do have an incredible business reason for allowing him to go up.” said Sonnen.

Sonnen’s claim does raise eyebrows as there are contenders like Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan chomping at the bits for a shot at the 155 lbs title. Further, beating a top 5 welterweight may not be necessary to set up a champion vs. champion fight between the Dagestani and Leon Edwards. What’s your opinion on this? Let us know in the comments.

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