Former UFC standout Chael Sonnen has outlined a possible trajectory for Islam Makhachev’s remaining fights as the lightweight champion prepares to shift divisions. Although Makhachev shows no intentions of retiring soon, Sonnen believes the Russian star may only have three more bouts before securing his legacy.
Currently, Islam Makhachev UFC upcoming fights are drawing significant attention as he is set to relinquish his lightweight title at UFC 317 this weekend. His rival, Ilia Topuria, will compete against Charles Oliveira to claim that vacant crown during International Fight Week.
Makhachev’s Planned Transition to Welterweight
Makhachev is expected to move up to the welterweight class, likely before year-end, aiming to capture his second divisional belt. His immediate challenge may come against Australian striker Jack Della Maddalena, a formidable opponent in the 170-pound division.
Despite optimism surrounding this transition, questions remain about how much longer Makhachev will remain active in MMA, with some speculating his tenure at welterweight may be limited. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, assures fans that Makhachev still has many competitive years ahead, but Sonnen’s perspective offers a more finite outlook.
Chael Sonnen’s Projection for Makhachev’s Remaining Fights
On his Instagram, Sonnen predicted a concise path for Makhachev’s next three contests, envisioning a high-stakes series of match-ups at welterweight. He remarked,
“Islam Makhachev may only be around for three more fights,”
—Chael Sonnen
Sonnen then identified the first major hurdle as a bout with Jack Della Maddalena, highlighting the challenge this fight would present to Makhachev. Should Makhachev prevail, Sonnen named his next two potential opponents as Belal Muhammad and former welterweight king Kamaru Usman, describing these fights as legendary clashes.
He added,
“As I look at Islam’s fights, boy, I got three great ones. Jack (Della Maddalena) can beat Islam. That’s a very hard match. But if Islam does beat Jack — then the next two [fights], Belal (Muhamamd) and Kamaru Usman — do a legends fight,”
—Chael Sonnen
Continuing the scenario, Sonnen suggested that a fight with Ian Garry could be in the mix while acknowledging possible objections from fighters like Colby Covington. He concluded,
“Colby’s (Covington) going to have something to say about it. And then, of course, you’ve got (Shavkat) Rakhmonov. …It’d be pretty damn impressive,”
—Chael Sonnen
While some potential matchups Sonnen mentioned seem unlikely, such as fights against Covington or Belal Muhammad, the prospect of a bout with Kamaru Usman remains particularly compelling.
Kamaru Usman’s Ambition to Challenge Makhachev
Usman, a former welterweight champion, recently announced plans centered around a potential farewell run in the sport. He secured a decisive win against Joaquin Buckley in Atlanta, his first triumph since 2021, and expressed interest in reclaiming the welterweight title before retiring.
Joaquin Buckley, Usman’s most recent opponent, voiced support for Usman’s shot at the title once again. Buckley told the Pound-4-Pound podcast,
“He got the name — he showed what he’s capable of doing. I was killin’ all these dudes, I was knockin’ ’em all out…and he came back, and showed why he’s a dominant champion,”
—Joaquin Buckley
He further emphasized,
“It would be a waste for him to try and fight another person and just give them an opportunity. He already gave the opportunity to me. I f*cked it up. Let that man go and get his belt back,”
—Joaquin Buckley
Although such a matchup might be unlikely, Usman stands as a strong contender poised to face either Makhachev or the winner of his upcoming welterweight debut.
Impact of Makhachev’s Career Path on UFC Landscape
Islam Makhachev’s shift to welterweight and the potential high-profile fights predicted by Sonnen could reshape the UFC’s competitive dynamics. Should Makhachev secure the welterweight title, it would mark him as a multi-division champion and further elevate his standing among UFC greats.
Follow-up fights involving notable fighters like Jack Della Maddalena, Kamaru Usman, and others could offer fans thrilling matchups and define the next era of mixed martial arts at 170 pounds. Makhachev’s upcoming bouts will be crucial in cementing his place as a legendary figure in the sport.