Yes, the UFC had turned Khabib Nurmagomedov into a star, but in return, the Dagestani garnered millions of dollars and fans for the promotion. It was a mutually beneficial relationship, but is that professional connection dwindling today? Islam Makhachev took Nurmagomedov’s place in the lightweight division by demonstrating a similar dominance, but Dana White might be making a costly mistake with the former that could harm his position with ‘The Eagle’.

Heading into the most hyped annual phase of the UFC, International Fight Week, the organization has found itself in the middle of a huge uncertainty that can brutally impact White’s relationship with the fighter-turned-coach. After all, Makhachev has been clear that he wants to compete in the welterweight division, and reportedly, the UFC has asked him to vacate his title before moving up, just like how Ilia Topuria did. Addressing this, Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen took to the ‘Good Guy Bad Guy’ podcast on YouTube to share their thoughts.

‘DC’ shared: “I saw something else yesterday. It’s either defend or be stripped, for Islam.” That’s when Sonnen stated that he, too, had heard that, but it didn’t make much sense to him. “There’s no way that’s true. Nobody would dare cross King Khabib, no way. Not in this, they wouldn’t, even when Khabib tried to give his own damn belt back they wouldn’t accept it. He was shoving it in their face and they were like, they wouldn’t put their hands on it. So they’re not going to take it off of his heir apparent.”

Sonnen did not hold back with his words. He advocated for Islam Makhachev, saying they are rather stripping him off his belt and not having him vacate, as it is largely being portrayed. Claiming the same situation occurred with Ilia Topuria as well, Sonnen believes the Dagestani, who hasn’t asked for anything but a move up to welterweight, should have his wish granted.

“But by the way the only thing that Islam wants to do, the only thing Islam has ever told us, he’s never asked for anything, not for money, for dates for car plates or opponents, he’s asked for one thing which is he’d like to be a 170 pounder. He don’t want to be at 55 anymore and now that you open a presence and you let a 45 pounder no longer be a 45 pounder, it gets a little hard to tell Islam he’s got to beat the only thing he’s got problems with which is the scale,” ‘The American Gangster’ said to Daniel Cormier.

“So you know you can call it stripping I guess. They’re trying to insist to us that Ilia vacated the title. I’m willing to play along, but they only vacated the title because they say he vacated the title. If you look at the actions of what actually happened, he was stripped.” If this is the case for Makhachev right now, as per Sonnen’s words, the UFC will really need to reconsider their choices before arriving at any big decisions. With one foot in the lightweight division and another in the welterweight division, Makhachev is stuck between defending his 155-pound title at UFC 317 against Ilia Topuria, as per rumors, or vacating it and being replaced by another lightweight. BUT!

UFC 315 might also be important in this whole scenario. Sure, the Dagestani isn’t fighting on the card, but Belal Muhammad is. If Jack Della Maddalena somehow manages to defeat Muhammad, the coast might get clear for Makhachev to directly get a title shot in the welterweight division. If the Russian fights at welterweight and becomes a champion there, he will have accomplished something that ‘The Eagle’ has always been criticized for: Not fighting at a heavier weight class.

This is an era where multiple fighters have proved their mettle across divisions, and for Makhachev, this is his prime time. He is 33, and while he has shut down speculations of an early retirement, it wouldn’t be bold to say he has only a few more years left to showcase his best. In fact, in January, he even went to the extent of declaring: “I am not leaving this sport without a second belt.”

Ilia Topuria versus Islam Makhachev is rumored to happen at UFC 317!

The lightweight division is considered by a majority in the MMA community as the most exciting division of the UFC. With contenders like Charles Olivera, Arman Tsarukyan, and the latest addition, Paddy Pimblett, the division guarantees fireworks in every match-up. And with the entry of the Spanish-Georgian Ilia Topuria in the mix, who the UFC has promised a shot at the 155-pound belt, Makhachev has more than enough threats to look out for at his current throne. If the Dagestani plans to move up, however, the dynamics will direly shift for the lightweight contenders.

With so many challengers to the throne of Islam Makhachev, it’s safe to say Ilia Topuria has won the race for the title shot, but the champion does not want to face yet another featherweight. Islam Makhachev cleaned through the opposition presented to him at lightweight, and after two defenses against 145-pound champ Alexander Volkanovski, he is in no mood to make three title defenses against featherweights, that too, in a row. This is where Sonnen’s insights come in handy.

The conundrum for Islam Makhachev is that if he wants to keep the lightweight title around his waist, he has to stand against Topuria at UFC 317. If Khabib and his team choose not to do so, and keep their focus on the welterweight move, then they shall have it, but without the lightweight gold.

One thing’s for sure: a huge piece of news is about to take over the fight community soon, and it will have everything to do with the UFC 317 main event. Topuria’s wishes have most likely been granted since he has already made the sacrifice. Will Makhachev have to go through the same process? Let us know in the comments.