UFC legend points to main reason for Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria fight to happen.

Ilia Topuria e Islam makhachev These are big names in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.

Chael Sonnen believes this is the ideal time for the super fight to take place. Islam makhachev e Ilia Topuria finally happen in the UFC octagon. According to the American, the recent movements In the lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) and welterweight (up to 77 kg) divisions, led by the Russian and the Spaniard respectively, the two champions faced something truly significant: a direct battle for the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.

UFC Hall of Fame member, Chael Sonnen He stated on his YouTube channel that the current scenario has created a legitimate rivalry between Makhachev and Topuria. However, in the view of the former challenger... Anderson SilvaBoth seem to have chosen not to resolve their differences in the cage.

“Something was taken from Ilia (Topuria), even without defeat. And this is the first time there is a real reason for Islam (Makhachev) and him to fight. But they chose, collectively, not to fight,” he said. Chael Sonnen on your YouTube channel.

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The questioning of Chael Sonnen It has context. In June 2025, Ilia Topuria He moved up to the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and won the vacant belt by knocking out his opponent. Charles of the Bronx in the first round of UFC 317, in Las Vegas (USA).

The victory yielded more than just the gold. The Georgian-Spanish Ilia Topuria He assumed the title of best pound-for-pound fighter, ending his 602-day reign. Islam makhachev in the ranking.

The throne, however, quickly returned to Islam makhachevIn November 2025, the Dagestani won. Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg) in UFC 322, in New York (USA).

In the next pound-for-pound ranking update, Makhachev was back as number one, even though Topuria hadn't suffered another career setback.

Ilia Topuria wants a fight against Islam Makhachev for the pound-for-pound title.

Ilia Topuria He announced that he will only return to fighting after the first quarter of 2026. Upon his return, his goal is to face the winner of the main event of... UFC 324in January, to unify the lightweight belts.

As part of her plans, Topuria revealed in a conversation with journalist Álvaro Colmenero on X, formerly Twitter, her desire to duel against Islam makhachev and that this confrontation could gain a status never seen before in sports.

“Maybe I’ll have one more fight and, in the summer, there will be a date when the UFC can let me move up to welterweight. Or maybe they’ll create a new belt called pound-for-pound, at a catchweight, and I’ll fight for it,” he said. Ilia Topuria to journalist Álvaro Colmenero.

Ilia Topuria wants to fight Islam makhachev for a “pound-for-pound” title at a catchweight

“Maybe I'll have one more fight, and then in the summer there's a date when [the UFC] can let me move up to welterweight.

Or maybe they'll create a new belt called the… pic.twitter.com/oiLb3yLKtn

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 24, 2025