Chael Sonnen believes Islam Makhachev wanted no part of Ilia Topuria.
After Belal Muhammad lost his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) vacated his lightweight title for a move up to 170 pounds. Topuria was eager to challenge Makhachev after relinquishing his featherweight title but will now meet Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 317 headliner on June 28.
Sonnen accuses Makhachev of ducking Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC). Manager Ali Abdelaziz claims had Muhammad retained his title, Makhachev vs. Topuria would have been next, but Topuria called shenanigans.
"Islam did everything you could do to avoid that fight," Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. "That's just the truth, guys. That's just what happened. I know Islam, I like Islam a lot, (but) 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 up to 170 pounds, in a handpicked match."
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Makhachev will get his desired title shot at welterweight next when he challenges Della Maddalena later in the year.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC analyst: Islam Makhachev definitely ducked Ilia Topuria
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