Islam Makhachev defended his decision to pursue a second championship in a different weight class against Chael Sonnen’s criticism, emphasizing his focus on greatness over hype and money, after relinquishing his lightweight title to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title.
Islam Makhachev claims he’s built differently than Chael Sonnen. That’s why Sonnen can’t grasp his pursuit of greatness by seeking a second championship in a new weight class.
On Thursday, Makhachev responded to Sonnen. The retired fighter and UFC analyst had called it a “sign of cowardice” that Makhachev aimed for welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena instead of facing Ilia Topuria at lightweight.
Sonnen remarked, “You are so interested in getting away from this guy that you not only leave your belt, you leave your division.” He added, “Not for nothing, this is not the way champions conduct themselves.”
Makhachev, who holds the record for most UFC lightweight title defenses, clapped back. He reminded Sonnen about the true championship mindset.
“Chasing hype and money isn’t the same as chasing greatness in sport,” Makhachev tweeted. “An average athlete, who rose to the top with cheap trash talk, won’t get that. So please sit and watch how others do it, uncle Chael.”
Makhachev has always wanted to be a two-division UFC champion. However, he held off moving to welterweight since his friend Belal Muhammad had the title.
After Muhammad lost the belt to Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Makhachev jumped at the chance. He expressed interest in moving up to 170 pounds to challenge for the second title.
Though he had to relinquish his lightweight belt, Makhachev is set to face Della Maddalena later this year. He hopes to join the exclusive club of UFC fighters who’ve held titles in two divisions.
Meanwhile, Topuria will still get his shot at lightweight gold. He’s set to face Charles Oliveira in the main event at UFC 317 in June.
Following Makhachev’s tweet, Sonnen responded with a cryptic message. It was less coherent than usual.
Sonnen tweeted, “So don’t be shy and don’t pick fake fights w/me to get my attention. Your HERO is my ACOLYTE. So is his NEMESIS. SO are YOU.”