Jul 28, 2018; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Islam Makhachev (blue gloves) defeats Kajan Johnson (red gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

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Islam Makhachev And Chael Sonnen Clash In A War Of Words Outside The Cage After Recent ‘Cowardice’ Comments

Islam Makhachev and Chael Sonnen Ignite Heated Debate, Each Taking Aim at the Other’s Take on Greatness!

Chael Sonnen built his reputation on trash talk long before social media existed. The man could sell ice to an eskimo and make you believe every word. His legendary feud with Anderson Silva proved that sometimes the microphone hits harder than fists. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev has quietly become one of the sport’s most dominant champions. The Dagestani fighter prefers to let his fighting do the talking, much like his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov did throughout his career.

But when Makhachev decided to move up to welterweight after Belal Muhammad lost the title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, not everyone celebrated the decision. Some saw it as a smart business move, while others questioned the timing. And Chael Sonnen, never one to miss an opportunity for controversy, struck. The retired fighter and current analyst didn’t hold back his thoughts on Makhachev’s weight class jump. Sonnen called the move a “sign of cowardice,” suggesting the champion was running from tough fights at lightweight (especially Ilia Topuria). Those are fighting words in any language, and Makhachev wasn’t about to let them slide.

Also Read: Daniel Cormier Breaks Down Why Chael Sonnen’s Take Misses the Mark On Islam Makhachev’s Pursuit Of Greatness At 170

Islam Makhachev’ Sharp Response To Uncle Chael

Makhachev fired back which surprised many fans who know him as the quiet, respectful champion. His response on social media cut deep and showed a side of him rarely seen outside the octagon. The Dagestani star wrote that chasing hype and money isn’t the same as chasing greatness in sport.

“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 seat and watch how others doing it, uncle Chael. #doublechamp”

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 seat and watch how others doing it, uncle Chael. #doublechamp
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 22, 2025

This wasn’t just a random insult either. It was a calculated shot at Sonnen’s legacy. Everyone knows Chael’s career was built more on entertainment value than championship gold. He came close several times but never quite sealed the deal when it mattered most. His famous wars with Anderson Silva at UFC 117 earned him a Hall of Fame spot, but they also highlighted his inability to finish what he started.

Chael Sonnen’s Counterattack

Never one to back down from a verbal fight, Sonnen unleashed a barrage of responses that reminded everyone why he’s considered one of MMA’s greatest talkers. The retired fighter didn’t just fire back, he went full Chael Sonnen mode.

“There are many paths to greatness, son. Travel yours, as I traveled mine. And I will be there to help you as you stumble, as I always have. Signed, uncle Chael. No, no, no. Signed, your guardian angel. No, no, no. Signed, your elder brother. You know what? Put them all. Uncle Chael, your guardian angel, your elder brother. And in the future, if I want your opinion, I’ll beat it out of you. No, no, no. Leave that part out. Let me extend an olive branch.”

Chael Sonnen responds to Islam Makhachev:

“In the future, if I want your opinion I’ll beat it out of you.” 👀🍿

🎥 @espnmma #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/Q4iPWF2Psa
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 23, 2025

As of now, Makhachev has chosen not to respond to Sonnen’s counter-barrage, which could be seen as either taking the high road or admitting defeat in the verbal sparring match. Either way, the damage was done on both sides. It gave fans an entertaining preview of what happens when two different generations of MMA personalities clash outside the cage.

(Image Credit: Sergei Belski – Imagn Images)

Chael Sonnen

Islam Makhachev

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!