Islam Makhachev wanting move up isn’t about UFC second title

Chael Sonnen believes the true motive UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev has been speaking about chasing a second title in a better weight class has nothing to do with accolades or constructing a legacy.

Quickly after defeating short-notice opponent Renato Moicano within the first spherical at UFC 311, Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) stated he would transfer as much as middleweight to problem present champion Dricus Du Plessis. Transferring from 155 kilos to 185 is a large soar in weight, however it could be the subsequent logical step for Makhachev since he is not going to battle present welterweight champ Belal Muhammad.

“Islam’s received to speak about (Alex) Pereira at 205, and he’s received to speak about Dricus at 185,” Sonnen instructed MMA Junkie. “And that’s bizarre, and that’s not something that anyone will take severe, however he has to try this as a result of his pal has the belt at 170.

“There’s actually no groups on the market, there’s simply guys that say they belong to a staff, and that features the NFL and NBA. These guys are whores. You place down an even bigger verify than anyone else, they’re put your jersey on. The one staff, actual staff, is Khabib’s and so they have a code and so they have an honor. You’re simply not going to see a battle with Islam and Belal. However the No. 1 factor that Islam needs, and the No. 1 motive he retains bringing issues like this up – it’s not a problem, it’s not a brand new world title. He needs out of the load class.”

After hitting championship weight of 155 kilos at official weigh-ins the day earlier than the battle, Makhachev gained 23.5 kilos, weighing-in at 178 kilos on the evening of UFC 311. That’s simply slightly below what he claims is his stroll round weight of round 180.

If Makhachev have been to maneuver as much as problem Du Plessis, he is aware of it could take time to bulk up and add muscle to his body, however he believes he might get the job executed.

Sonnen is of the assumption that Makhachev’s calls to vary divsiions is a plea for assist of types, and one that might result in an early retirement if not acknowledged by the UFC.

“The largest downside Islam has is a factor that beat his coach twice and that in the end retired – Khabib didn’t retire as a result of he didn’t wish to battle Conor (McGregor) a second time,” Sonnen stated. “The UFC confirmed him the improper numbers. Each time they’d a gathering, they confirmed extra commas and extra zeroes. That was the improper quantity. If they’d have made the load class 170, they’d have gotten Khabib for yet another battle. They’re going to run into that very same downside with Islam finally.

“The No. 1 motive a fight athlete retires – they inform you it’s as a result of their contract’s up, they inform you as a result of they’ve had sufficient, they inform you as a result of it’s too instructed – the No. 1 motive, No. 1, any fight athlete retires: they don’t wish to make that weight anymore. They don’t wish to beat the size. The whole lot that goes into that. That could be a 24/7 way of life to get these energy off to beat that rattling scale.”