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Islam Makhachev Issues Scathing Response to UFC Veteran: ‘Average Athletes Chase Hype, Not Greatness’

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated May 22, 2025 4:50 PM ET

Islam Makhachev is eyeing a new challenge—and a second belt. The reigning lightweight king has set his sights on welterweight gold in a bid to join the exclusive double champ club. While many see the move as bold, not everyone agrees it’s the right play. And for the usually composed Makhachev, some recent criticism hit a nerve.

UFC veteran and media personality Chael Sonnen didn’t mince words on a recent Good Guy/Bad Guy segment with Daniel Cormier on ESPN MMA . Weighing in on Makhachev’s jump to welterweight, Sonnen framed the decision as a retreat rather than a bold career step. ‘You have an undefeated, #1 ranked world champion who’s chasing you down… You are so interested in getting away from this guy, that you leave your belt,’ Sonnen claimed, referencing Ilia Topuria—who, while not officially ranked #1 at lightweight on paper, holds the featherweight title and is widely viewed as a top threat. Topuria has publicly stated that the UFC promised him a lightweight title shot—and in his words, they’ve kept that promise.

Those comments clearly struck a chord. Makhachev fired back with a sharp message on social media: ‘Chasing hype and money is not the same as chasing greatness in sport. But average athlete, who built his way to the top with cheap trash talk, won’t understand that. So please seat and watch how others doing it, uncle Chael. #doublechamp’

Chasing hype and money is not the same as chasing greatness in sport. But average athlete, who built his way to the top with cheap trash talk, won’t understand that. So please seat and watch how others doing it, uncle Chael. #doublechamp
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 22, 2025

The debate over whether champions should defend or seek legacy-defining glory is hardly new. Some argue Makhachev owes the division a defense. Others say chasing a second title is the ultimate test of greatness, echoing moves made by Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes.

And with Topuria emerging as a rising star and newly announced challenger in the lightweight mix, the spotlight on Makhachev's next move only intensifies. For now, Makhachev seems locked in—focused on making history, no matter who’s talking.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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