After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, all eyes turned to the next Dagestani fighter to carry the legacy. Islam Makhachev answered the call, dominating the lightweight division. However, reports surfaced that he declined a fight with Ilia Topuria. Chael Sonnen shut down the rumors, calling them fake news. Pointing to Makhachev’s history of stepping up for fights, Sonnen made it clear—Makhachev isn’t the type to back down from a challenge.
Sonnen shut down rumors that Islam Makhachev turned down a fight with Ilia Topuria. After Daniel Cormier mentioned the speculation on Good Guy/Bad Guy, Sonnen dismissed it, saying Makhachev has never avoided a challenge. He pointed to Makhachev’s history of stepping up on short notice, including his fight against Renato Moicano, as proof that the lightweight champ is always ready to keep the show going.
He said, “My first sense is that it’s fake news, and it’s a real insult to Islam. I don’t think Islam is scared to fight anybody. I think the evident of that fact would be the fact that he switched opponents, took on ‘Money’ Moicano with no training camp. No preparation, just because it’s the right thing to do. And make sure that the golden rule is followed, which is, ‘the show must go forward’.”
He found it insulting that Makhachev would even be questioned about fighting another featherweight, especially since it would mark the third time he’s had to face a 145-pounder. Given Makhachev’s track record of accepting any challenge, Sonnen saw no reason to believe the reports.
Henry Cejudo Argues Ilia Topuria Deserves Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev
Topuria has proven he can shake up the division, and Henry Cejudo pushes for him to get a shot at Makhachev. Topuria earned his reputation by knocking out top opponents and establishing himself as a dangerous contender. Cejudo argues that Topuria’s unpredictable striking will challenge Makhachev, especially if Makhachev fails to secure early takedowns.
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Although promoters considered Arman Tsarukyan, they chose Topuria because he presents a tougher test for Makhachev in the fight. From stepping in on short notice against Alexander Volkanovski to taking on Renato Moicano without hesitation, Makhachev has never backed down from a challenge. Now, all eyes are on whether he will soon step into the cage with Ilia Topuria.
