Chael Sonnen Demands Ilia Topuria Prove Himself Before Earning Lightweight Title Shot

Ilia Topuria has his sights set on Islam Makhachev and the UFC lightweight title, but not everyone believes he deserves an immediate shot. The newly crowned featherweight king has made it clear he wants to move up and challenge the dominant Russian champion. However, UFC legend Chael Sonnen insists Topuria must first prove himself at 155 pounds before stepping into the octagon with Makhachev.


Sonnen has laid out two massive tests for the Spanish-Georgian fighter: Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan. Both are elite contenders, and according to ‘The American Gangster,’ Topuria needs a statement win over one of them before a title shot even becomes a conversation. While fans are excited about a potential showdown between Topuria and Makhachev, Sonnen believes the featherweight champ still has work to do.

Chael Sonnen’s Plan for Ilia Topuria’s Path to a Title Shot

In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen broke down the current lightweight title picture and why Topuria shouldn’t get an automatic shot at Islam Makhachev.


“Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan are in a battle, and the battle is for Ilia,” Sonnen said. “Charles is not likely to go right into a title fight against Islam. The only reason I say that is that Islam wants some fresh blood.


“Ilia is not going to get a title shot even though he would fit the request of being fresh blood. You’ve got Ramadan, Ilia is vacating, and no mention of Ilia. It would look as though Ilia is going to have to do a fight first.


“Ilia vs Islam is not a massive fight. However, Ilia vs Islam, if Ilia defeats Charles first, is a completely other conversation.


“It can’t go right now; you gotta have Ilia prove that he can do it, and that either takes you through Tsarukyan or it takes you through Charles.”


Previously, Sonnen called Topuria’s callout of Makhachev “unusual,” but now he seems to be on board—so long as the featherweight champ earns it.


Also Read: "He Has to Earn His Shot at Lightweight": Javier Mendez on Ilia Topuria

Will Topuria Take the Challenge?

Sonnen isn’t the only one questioning Topuria’s readiness for lightweight. Khabib Nurmagomedov has also suggested that the Spanish-Georgian would suffer the same fate as Alexander Volkanovski if he fought Makhachev. However, some former champions disagree, arguing that Topuria’s power and striking make him a unique threat.


For now, the ball is in Topuria’s court. If he wants a shot at Makhachev, he may have to go through Oliveira or Tsarukyan first.