Islam Makhachev faces criticism for his recent opinion on Ilia Topuria’s rise to the top of the Ilia Topuria pound-for-pound ranking. The ongoing debate intensified after both fighters made divisional changes, shifting focus away from their previously anticipated matchup.

Makhachev is preparing to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title, aiming for two-division championship status, while Topuria secured a quick title victory at 155 pounds by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June. Although they compete in different weight classes now, their rivalry continues to capture attention, especially after Makhachev’s controversial comments about the pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings.

Chael Sonnen Challenges Makhachev’s Claims About Topuria’s Ranking

On a recent episode of his Good Guy/Bad Guy show with Daniel Cormier on ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen addressed Islam Makhachev’s remarks regarding Ilia Topuria’s position in the P4P rankings. Makhachev had suggested that Topuria’s rise was driven by marketing rather than merit.

Sonnen disagreed with this assessment, explaining that if the UFC were manipulating the rankings for marketing purposes, Makhachev himself would still be ranked number one. He emphasized the importance of holding a world championship, pointing out that Topuria currently carries that distinction while Makhachev does not.

I don’t believe Islam was correct in his assessment that this is for marketing,

Sonnen said.

If it was for marketing, they would have kept it around him!

He added that Topuria possesses a world title they can contest, whereas Makhachev does not.

I think that Islam’s math was a little bit backwards on that,

Sonnen continued.

But if that’s something that he needed to get motivated and get us towards that fight, I am for it.

Daniel Cormier Predicts Makhachev Will Regain Pound-for-Pound Supremacy

Another UFC legend, Daniel Cormier, weighed in on the controversy and expressed that Makhachev is poised to reclaim the top P4P spot if he secures the welterweight championship later this year. The bout between Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena is reportedly 90 percent agreed upon for a November fight at Madison Square Garden.

Cormier highlighted that if Makhachev becomes a two-division champ by winning the welterweight belt, it will validate his fighting credentials across weight classes, surpassing Topuria’s achievements. Makhachev’s four successful title defenses at lightweight and the pursuit of a new title at welterweight would reinforce his claim.

He (Topuria) is the number one pound-for-pound fighter today,

Cormier stated on his 3 Rounds show with Din Thomas.

But if Islam is able to beat Jack Della Maddalena, it flips again and Islam goes back to number one.

Only because of this, (his) fighting style will then be proven to go up to the next weight class. Islam will have done everything Topuria has done at a heavier weight. Four title defenses at 155 (pounds), and then the new champion at welterweight.

So yes, I agree, he (Topuria) is pound-for-pound number one today,

Cormier continued.

But I think the moment Islam is able to win, he then goes back to pound-for-pound number one.

Ongoing Impact of the Rivalry on UFC’s Featherweight and Welterweight Scenes

The evolving relationship between Makhachev and Topuria represents more than just a personal feud; it highlights the dynamic nature of UFC’s P4P rankings amid fighters changing divisions and claiming multiple belts. Makhachev’s upcoming challenge against Della Maddalena is poised to be a pivotal moment that could redefine the current P4P landscape.

Topuria’s success at 155 pounds marks an important milestone, as he quickly added a second title to his featherweight reign, solidifying his status as a top fighter across weight classes. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s march toward welterweight gold sets the stage for one of the sport’s most compelling cross-divisional rivalries.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these developments influence the UFC’s rankings and which fighter will ultimately cement their place as the premier pound-for-pound competitor.