Former title challenger Chael Sonnen says Islam Makhachev’s skill makes it hard for fans to get excited about his fights.
Why Sonnen Says Fans Aren’t Excited
On his YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen explained that he respects Makhachev but doubts many matchups will feel competitive. Sonnen said he does not want to insult Makhachev and that he “fully get[s] Islam’s greatness.”
Sonnen added that Makhachev may be so dominant that fans cannot believe any challenger can beat him. If fans cannot imagine a real threat, Sonnen said, they may not feel excited for the fight.
Makhachev’s Recent Win and Title Status
Islam Makhachev won the welterweight title at UFC 322. He defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision on November 15, 2025. That win answered questions about how he would handle larger opponents at welterweight.
Earlier in the year, Makhachev had vacated the lightweight title. The victory at UFC 322 made him a two-division champion.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | Won unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025 |
| Jack Della Maddalena | Lost unanimous decision to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025 |
Potential Opponents and Matchmaking Questions
UFC President Dana White confirmed Makhachev will return in August to defend his welterweight title for the first time. Names linked to the possible first defense include Ian Machado Garry and Kamaru Usman.
Moving up in weight gives Makhachev fresh matchups. But Sonnen doubts those fights will create strong interest if the champion remains clearly dominant.
Observers note this pattern is not new. Demetrious Johnson, who enters the Hall of Fame this year, was so far ahead of his division that some title defenses felt like formalities. Jon Jones also faced similar dynamics in his final run as light heavyweight champion.
What Fans Can Expect
The welterweight division does have fighters who could present interesting challenges. Still, most expect Makhachev to enter future fights as the favorite.
How promoters match him and how challengers perform will shape how excited fans become. If a clear, believable challenger appears, interest will rise. Until then, Sonnen’s point is that perfection can make title fights harder to sell.
