Accused of cowardice, Makhachev reacts, calls Sonnen average and provokes: 'Sit and watch'

Islam makhachev arriving for UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Brazil

Islam makhachev responded to criticism from Chael Sonnen. The Russian, on his official 'X' account (formerly Twitter), hit back at accusations of 'cowardice' after announcing his move to welterweight (77kg) in search of 'hype and money' does not equate to the pursuit of greatness in the sport.

“Chasing hype and money is not the same as chasing greatness in sports. But an average athlete who rose to the top with cheap talk would not understand this. So sit back and watch as others do, Uncle Chael. #doublechamp,” Islam wrote.

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In a recent episode of the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast, Sonnen called Makhachev's weight class change a 'sign of cowardice'. The former fighter argued that the Dagestani was running away from a fight with Topuria, who left the featherweight (65,7kg) to try to become champion in the lightweight (70,3kg).

“You not only gave up your belt, you abandoned your division. That’s not how champions behave,” Sonnen said.

Makhachev's move to welterweight comes after Jack Della Maddalena win the category belt by defeating Belal Muhammad | No. UFC 315. While the Russian takes aim at the Australian, Topuria faces Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317.

Chasing hype and money is not the same as chasing greatness in sport. But average athlete, who built his way to the top with cheap trash talk, won't understand that. So please sit and watch how others do it, Uncle Chael. #doublechamp

- Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 22, 2025