Many consider Khabib Nurmagomedov to be the best lightweight to ever grace the UFC Octagon. This is due to the pure dominance that he displayed against his opponents when he reigned as the lightweight champion of the UFC. However, a UFC legend claims that the throne is soon to be passed to another dominant champion in the division.

In the UFC 2023 year review, UFC legend and MMA analyst Chael Sonnen claimed that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s childhood friend and the current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is the next fighter to reign with pure dominance over the lightweight division after Nurmagomedov. Here are more details on what Sonnen said about the lightweight champion.

Chael Sonnen names Makhachev the next king of the lightweight division

In the UFC 2023 review, Chael Sonnen, Daniel Cormier, and Jon Anik have been seen marveling at what Islam Makhachev has accomplished as a champion over the year. Sonnen went on to give his take on the lightweight champion, saying, “I’ve seen a little bit of parody. I mean, Islam has got a little bit of everything, including He’s the heir apparent to the throne from King Khabib. himself.”

“Islam had to go into this fight with Volk. There’s not a lot on it for him. In all fairness, this was a short notice. I want to say it was eight days guys. There’s not a lot on it for him.” Sonnen said.

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He concluded by commending Makhachev for taking a short-notice fight against Alexander Volkanovski. despite having so much to lose with very little to gain. As he stated, “It’s not the opponent he was planning to have, it’s a difficult fight. There’s nothing to lose for Volk, which means there’s everything to lose for Islam and he still found a way to outdo himself.”

Islam Makhachev has proven that if there was someone to rival Khabib’s dominance in the UFC, it would be him. However, Makhachev still has a long way to go until he clears his division like his childhood friend Nurmagomedov did. But what would be next for Makhachev?

The UFC Lightweight champion’s comments on the main event of UFC 296

Islam Makhachev has been eyeing the UFC welterweight title for quite some time now, like a hungry predator eyeing his prey. The main event fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington at UFC 296 had ‘Rocky’ getting the upper hand, winning via unanimous decision. However, the performances of both athletes didn’t seem to impress the lightweight champion.

After the fight, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev took to his Twitter account to give his thoughts on the fight. He made it short and simple by writing, “I will finish both this guy.”

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Given that Islam Makhachev looks forward to fighting for the welterweight strap one day, how soon can we expect to see him fight for a second title? Let us know in the comments section below.

Islam Makhachev Sends an Ultimatum, Discloses Timeline for Next Fight With Serious Condition in Place