Chael Sonnen has never been one to sugarcoat things, and when it comes to Islam Makhachev’s double-championship dreams, he isn’t pulling any punches. Despite Makhachev’s repeated claims of wanting to win a second belt—first at welterweight and, more daringly, at middleweight—Sonnen believes that his chances are slim to none. What’s the biggest obstacle? Makhachev’s unwavering support for his teammate and close buddy, current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Both guys have stated that they will not fight each other, and ‘Remember The Name’ summed it up well by saying, “Some friendships are bigger than belts.” However, it seems like Sonnen found the quote less inspiring and more like the sound of a door slamming shut.
To ‘The American Gangster,’ that friendship isn’t just a sentimental detail—it’s a full stop. Without a shot at the welterweight title, Makhachev’s only option is to make a drastic move to middleweight. However, Sonnen is not buying into the idea. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, he highlights the absurdity of a lightweight fighter wanting to go up two classes, describing it as “a huge jump in weight” for someone who currently weighs 185 pounds. This is not like other sports, where friendships and allegiances are flexible. In Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s camp, the rules are clear: honor comes first, and teammates do not fight. That code may be admirable, but in Makhachev’s cutthroat path to UFC stardom, Chael Sonnen views it as a hurdle he cannot conquer.
He said, “There is at no point, no matter what you believe your relationship is, that this becomes fight friends—at least not on the second floor at the UFC where the decisions are made.” What really worries Sonnen is how fans and fighters alike appear to believe these headlines without thinking them through. He warns against misinterpreting positive news and cordial exchanges as signals that the fight industry has softened. He praises Makhachev’s accomplishments and loyalty, but emphasizes that the UFC is not based on sentimentality. There are no fight friends when it comes to championship belts, particularly on the executive floor, where matchups are chosen.
January 18, 2025, Inglewood, California, USA: ISLAM MAKHACHEV 27-1-0 of Makhachkala, Russia defeats RENATO MOICANO 20-6-1 of Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil by submission DÃââ Arce choke at 4:05 of round 1 during UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California Inglewood USA – ZUMAo117 20250118_zsp_o117_045 Copyright: xMikaelxOnax
Chael Sonnen believes that it is not about who deserves a shot, but more about who the people want to see, and there is currently no demand for Makhachev to fight Jack Della Maddalena or any other welterweight but Belal Muhammad. “To make believe that somebody’s clamoring to see Islam versus Jack is silly,” Sonnen said. Without a compelling rivalry or a willing opponent, the UFC has no reason to book Makhachev outside of the lightweight division. And unless something spectacular happens—such as Belal Muhammad vacating the title or Makhachev moving teams—’The American Gangster’ is solid in his assessment: Islam Makhachev’s dream of becoming a two-division champion is, for the time being, out of the question. So, will Sonnen’s observation make Makhachev change his mind? Well, it might. But then the biggest task for the Dagestani would be to convince Belal Muhammad.
Belal Muhammad makes his stance clear on the Islam Makhachev fight
Chael Sonnen’s tough reality check on Islam Makhachev’s double-champion aspirations may have sparked debate, but if there was any remaining optimism that the Dagestani would rethink his mind and move up to welterweight, Belal Muhammad’s latest statements slammed that door shut once more. ‘Remember The Name,’ the defending welterweight champion, could’ve added fuel to the speculation fire—but instead, he poured water all over it. Speaking from a place of profound loyalty and respect, he reiterated his refusal to ever fight Makhachev, emphasizing that no belt or payment is worth destroying the relationship formed under Khabib Nurmagomedov’s leadership.
Muhammad was not vague, nor did he allow space for imagination. In a recent interview, he stated, “No, I wouldn’t fight him.” For Muhammad, this is about more than just friendship; it’s about paying tribute to those who helped shape his career. He acknowledged Makhachev and Nurmagomedov’s team for playing an important role in his rise, claiming they had done “so much” for him. That kind of gratitude cannot be faked, and it will not be compromised in the pursuit of UFC gold. Despite reports that the UFC may pit the welterweight and lightweight titles against each other, Muhammad dismisses them as nonsense and fantasy. He believes there are still plenty of worthy rivals for Makhachev at 155 pounds, including Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, and Charles Oliveira.
So, if Makhachev actually wants to test the waters at welterweight, he’ll need to do so without Belal Muhammad standing across from him. Ironically, Muhammad even considered stepping up to middleweight—possibly vacating his title—to avoid having to deal with this situation. That shows how unshakeable their bond is. The Dagestani may see this as a vote of confidence, ‘Remember The Name,’ to leave the division or stop the hunt entirely. In this chess battle of respect and ambition, both men appear unwilling to make the first move. What do you think? Do you see any solution to this situation? Let us know in the comments.
The post “No Matter What”: UFC Insider Gives Death Blow to Islam Makhachev’s Double Champion Ambitions appeared first on EssentiallySports.
