Chael Sonnen passionately defends Ilia Topuria after concerns that he might be too small for Islam Makhachev!
Size matters in fighting, until it doesn’t. The MMA world has always had this fixation with physical dimensions. Remember when everyone said Conor McGregor was too small for Nate Diaz? Or when Alexander Volkanovski supposedly had no business stepping up to challenge Islam Makhachev? The conversation about fighter size never seems to end, despite history repeatedly showing us that skill, not size, often determines the outcome of these cross-divisional matchups.
Sonnen, never one to mince words, has stepped in to defend the former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria against what he sees as an outdated and lazy argument. The ‘Bad Guy’ has seen enough smaller fighters triumph over bigger opponents to know that dismissing Topuria based solely on his physical dimensions isn’t just premature,it’s flat-out wrong. Sonnen’s defense comes at a perfect time for fans eager to see this potential super-fight materialize.
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Mateusz Gamrot recently made headlines recently when he dismissed Ilia Topuria’s chances against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev based primarily on size differential. Talking to MMA Junkie, he revealed that taking on Islam Makhachev as a smaller guy was impossible.
“Topuria is a samll guy and Islam is really big guy. If you wanna fight Islam you have to be a big guy just like him.”
The Polish contender emphasized how the champion’s physical strength and grappling prowess would be too much for someone coming up from 145 pounds. Gamrot further pointed to Topuria’s frame, suggesting that while he might have found success against featherweights, the elite lightweights would present physical challenges he couldn’t overcome.
Gamrot’s comments gained traction in MMA circles, with several analysts echoing his sentiments about the dangers of Topuria moving up. Some fighting metrics supported Gamrot’s position, noting that Makhachev would enjoy significant advantages in reach, height, and natural weight over Topuria.
Chael Sonnen didn’t hold back when addressing Gamrot’s size-based dismissal of Topuria’s chances. Sonnen gave several examples where the smaller guy had won against the larger guy.
“There is no size difference between Ilia and Islam. It’s a 145 vs. a 155… Are you aware that Muhammad Ali, when he was the heavyweight champion of the world, weighed a 198lbs? Georges St-Pierre vs. Michael Bisping comes to mind. The lighter the two: Georges St-Pierre: Winner. I’m blown away by the analysis that he would have no chance against Islam. That is very strong language.”
Sonnen’s animated breakdown highlighted how technical skill, timing, and fight IQ have repeatedly trumped size advantages in crucial matchups. His passionate defense of Topuria might just help build momentum for what could be one of the most anticipated champion-versus-champion matchups in recent UFC history. And if there is one thing Chael Sonnen knows about, it’s how to sell a fight!
(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)
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