Fans rarely see Islam Makhachev trash-talking on social media. However, he responded boldly when UFC veteran Chael Sonnen misquoted his “coward” statement. The Dagestani called Sonnen out for chasing hype and referred to him as an average athlete. Despite this, the UFC veteran later clarified the misunderstanding about Makhachev’s ‘coward’ remark.
Sonnen claimed that Makhachev did everything he could to avoid Ilia Topuria. He also noted that the Dagestani fighter vacated his lightweight title and moved up to welterweight in pursuit of a second belt. However, Sonnen recently clarified the misquote that sparked Makhachev’s reaction. In an interview with Mike Bohn, the MMA veteran explained:
“I never called him a coward — but if he thinks I did, I must fight back. Not to mention, he’s coming into my world. I got misquoted by a pretty big site called MMA Uncensored. Islam thought I called him a coward, and he responded to the report that I called him a coward, which I never did.”
Chael Sonnen clarifies misquote that sparked Islam Makhachev’s response: 'I never called him a coward — but if he thinks I did, I must fight back. Not to mention, he’s coming into my world.' 🗣🔥
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 27, 2025
"I got misquoted by a pretty big site called MMA Uncensored. Islam thought I called… pic.twitter.com/o1cgOzNEEU
Sonnen means that if Makhachev believes he called him a coward and responds, Sonnen has to defend himself. He warns that stepping into his world can get messy, using the saying about not fighting a pig because both get dirty and the pig enjoys it. Despite the clash, Sonnen says they have talked and cleared things up.
Renato Moicano Says Ilia Topuria Would Defeat Islam Makhachev At Lightweight
The buzz around a potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev was big. Many fans and fighters saw it as a huge matchup, but it never happened. Topuria moved up to lightweight chasing a title, while Makhachev vacated his belt and moved to welterweight.
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Former rival Renato Moicano, who lost to Makhachev at UFC 311, believes Topuria would have beaten him at 155. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Moicano said,
“I think Ilia Topuria would beat Islam Makhachev. I think he’s the real deal and I think with his grappling and the way he moves his head and his boxing… I think he would impose a lot of trouble to Islam Makhachev.”
After Makhachev’s move to welterweight, some fans mocked him, accusing him of ducking a potential clash with Topuria. However, there’s still a possibility the two could meet in the future—if Topuria captures the lightweight title, Makhachev might return to 155 for a high-stakes showdown with the Spanish champion.
