Although Makhachev is highly respected, Sonnen points out his current standing. Expected to move up to welterweight to face Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight title, Makhachev is technically no longer UFC champion, as he vacated his 155-pound belt.

Ilia Topuria got almost everything he wanted at UFC 317. “El Matador” scored a stunning knockout of Charles Oliveira in this past Saturday’s main event to claim a vacant lightweight championship, maintain his undefeated record,

Ali Abdelaziz praised Ilia Topuria as one of the best talents in recent years, but emphasized that Islam Makhachev’s achievements set him apart. He highlighted Islam’s impressive 15-fight winning streak in the UFC and noted that Islam finished nine of his last ten fights.