Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Islam Makhachev (red gloves) walks out for a ightweight title fight against Renato Moicano (not pictured) during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Chael Sonnen Explains The UFC Lightweight Division Drama!

Chael Sonnen reveals the details of the drama in the lightweight division!

The UFC’s lightweight division has always been a wild rollercoaster of drama. From Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominance to Conor McGregor’s antics, this weight class never disappoints. The 155-pound weight class has historically been the UFC‘s deepest and most competitive division, packed with killers.

Today, fans are seeing yet another chapter in the lightweight saga unfolding before their eyes. Islam Makhachev currently sits on the throne, following in his mentor Khabib’s footsteps. But the waters are getting choppy with multiple contenders making moves. Three major storylines are creating absolute chaos in the division right now, and who better to break it down than the ‘Bad Guy’ himself? Chael Sonnen has never been shy about offering his unfiltered take on UFC drama, and this time he has his sights set on the lightweight drama.

Also Read: Ilia Topuria “So Happy” For Former Opponent After His Win At UFC 314

Islam Makhachev Eyeing Double-Champ Status

Chael Sonnen revealed that Islam Makhachev isn’t just sitting pretty with his lightweight belt. He is watching UFC 315 main event result with eagle eyes. The champion is openly waiting to see who emerges victorious in the welterweight title fight. If things go a certain way, he might just jump up a weight class.

Makhachev has been open about his decision to fight for another belt. However, Belal Muhammad, his teammate and friend rules the welterweight division. The lightweight champion’s hopes of a second belt hinges on this UFC 315 main event fight.

Ilia Topuria Abandons Featherweight For Lightweight Gold

Ilia Topuria recently shocked everyone when news of him giving up his belt and leaving his division behind to chase lightweight glory came out. This wasn’t just a casual mention, it was official.

The former featherweight champion revealed that he was promised an immediate shot at the lightweight gold. However, the dynamics of the lightweight division has made it very chaotic. There are multiple contenders in the division and Ilia Topuria one upping them remains a big possibility. But, he is undefeated and moved up a weight class to fight and according to Chael Sonnen, the minimum he could be is the “#1 contender.”

🚨 Ilia Topuria says the UFC promised him a title shot before he vacated his featherweight title:

"The UFC promised me I'd fight for the belt. That's why I vacated it. And they've always kept their promise."

(via. @IratiPratSC) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/iaKXLxtutV
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 30, 2025

Once again, his fate in the new division seems to hinge on the Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. This would arguably seal whether he will fight Islam Makhachev or another top contender in the lightweight division.

Justin Gaethje Believes He Is Next In Line

‘The Highlight’ isn’t going anywhere! Justin Gaethje firmly believes he deserves the next crack at Islam Makhachev’s belt. After Max Holloway KO’d him at UFC 300, the former BMF title holder got back into the win column with a win over Rafael Fiziev. With Islam Makhachev already having beat the top contenders, Gaethje believes he is next in line.

Justin Gaethje wants to set a date with UFC champ Islam Makhachev after his #UFC313 win.

"He's so good. So strong. I have to have a perfect night if I'm going to beat him." pic.twitter.com/bRIFqSBG1x
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 9, 2025

Interestingly, the champ actually agrees with him. If Islam Makhachev decides to stay at lightweight, he would prefer a fight with Justin Gaethje, as he has said several times. But if Makhachev decides to move up in weight and vacate the title, a title fight between Gaethje and Topuria would probably be next (although Charles Oliveira may disagree.)

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Chael Sonnen

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Justin Gaethje

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!