Islam Makhachev slammed by MMA legend, who claims he avoided a showdown with Ilia Topuria.
The UFC pound-for-pound number one has chosen to vacate his lightweight championship and fight Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight throne, rather than take on ‘El Matador’.
While some believe the Spanish-Georgian would’ve been too small to compete with the Dagestani, others disagree. Tyrone McKinney claims Topuria is knocking out much bigger fighters in the gym.
However, it looks like the hyped match-up between two icons of the game isn’t going to come to fruition anytime soon.
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Chael Sonnen says Islam Makhachev avoided Ilia Topuria
Chael Sonnen is a massive fan of what Islam Makhachev brings to the UFC.
But despite this, he still thinks the gifted grappler has ducked a clash with Ilia Topuria.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, ‘The American Gangster’ said: “Islam did everything you can do to avoid that fight. That’s just the truth, guys, that’s just what happened. I know Islam, I like Islam a lot, it’s still what happened.
“Islam did everything you could conceivably do to not fight Ilia, including leave the division, including leave the championship. ‘Hey, if you don’t fight this guy, we’re going to strip you of your championship’, ‘Strip me of my championship’.
“There is nothing in our industry that is a stronger way to get away from somebody than to leave the division and even leave the championship behind.
“You can’t paint the credit on Islam for moving to 170lbs, in a handpicked match.”
Jack Della Maddalena will defeat Islam Makhachev, according to a UFC legend
While Makhachev has chosen to move up a division to try and become a two-weight UFC champion, claiming his second title certainly won’t be easy.
In the opposite corner stands a formidable striker, who proved against Belal Muhammad that he can beat wrestlers.
One former title-holder is convinced ‘JDM’ has the minerals to cause the upset.
Analysing the contest, a UFC legend explained why he thinks Della Maddalena beats Makhachev.