UFC Corridor of Famer Chael Sonnen lately said the only real cause he believes Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria now must struggle. Sonnen additionally criticized the UFC rating committee for creating confusion over time.
In 2025, Topuria moved as much as 155-pounds and grabbed the vacant light-weight strap by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. After this win, ‘El Matador’ was additionally topped the pound-for-pound kingpin, and he ended Makhachev’s reign, which lasted for 602 days.
Nevertheless, Topuria’s reign didn’t final lengthy as Islam Makhachev, after beating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and turning into a two-division champion, recaptured the top spot back on the P4P chart.
Talking about how Topuria has misplaced his P4P throne, regardless of not shedding a struggle, and the way the rating committee regularly generates confusion, Sonnen identified one cause the superfight between Makhachev and Topuria should occur now. He stated:
“That is the primary time that Islam and Ilia even have one thing to struggle about. One thing was taken from Ilia. And within the sport typically, you get to face your floor. You solely concede the bottom that you simply concede or that someone can take from you. Neither has occurred to Ilia, however he misplaced his spot… It’s the primary time that Ilia and Islam have one thing to struggle about, they usually collectively have chosen to not.”
Take a look at Chael Sonnen’s feedback beneath (7:24):
Sonnen additionally believes that the identical enthusiasm followers had earlier in seeing ‘El Matador’ and Makhachev struggle is gradually declining due to different thrilling matches now within the image.
Ilia Topuria needs to struggle Islam Makhachev for “pound-for-pound title”
Ilia Topuria has presently taken a break from combating for private causes and can almost certainly return after the primary quarter of 2026. On his return, he should meet the winner of the UFC 324 headliner to unify the belts.
Beforehand, nonetheless, the Georgian-Spaniard has proven curiosity in shifting as much as welterweight to struggle Islam Makhachev and even struggle the Russian at a catchweight. ‘El Matador’ hopes the UFC comes up with the pound-for-pound title when he and Makhachev conflict. Topuria advised Álvaro Colmenero:
“Perhaps I’ll have yet another struggle, after which in the summertime there’s a date when [the UFC] can let me transfer as much as welterweight. Or perhaps they’ll create a brand new belt referred to as the pound-for-pound title, at a catchweight and I’ll struggle for [it].”
Take a look at Ilia Topuria’s feedback beneath:
😳 Ilia Topuria needs to struggle Islam Makhachev for a “pound-for-pound” title at a catchweight
“Perhaps I’ll have yet another struggle, after which in the summertime there’s a date when [the UFC] can let me transfer as much as welterweight.
Or perhaps they’ll create a brand new belt referred to as the… pic.twitter.com/oiLb3yLKtn
— Dwelling of Combat (@Home_of_Fight) November 24, 2025
Chael Sonnen, nonetheless, believes that the very best worthwhile possibility for the UFC could be to permit Topuria to maneuver as much as welterweight and battle Islam Makhachev for the third title.
