{"id":103170,"date":"2025-08-28T11:41:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T11:41:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/103170\/"},"modified":"2025-08-28T11:41:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T11:41:11","slug":"islam-makhachev-vs-ilia-topuria-does-less-than-paddy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/103170\/","title":{"rendered":"Islam Makhachev Vs. Ilia Topuria Does Less Than Paddy"},"content":{"rendered":"

UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen<\/a> had yet another hot take while speaking with his co-host on Good Guy, Bad Guy<\/a>, former two-division titleholder and current cage-side commentator Daniel \u201cDC\u201d Cormier<\/a>.<\/p>\n

He claimed that a fight between Ilia Topuria <\/a>and Paddy \u201cThe Baddy\u201d Pimblett<\/a> would be a bigger draw than a hypothetical matchup between Ilia and Islam Makhachev.<\/p>\n

Islam currently holds the record for most UFC lightweight title defenses at four, making him the most successful lightweight champion in UFC history. He defended his belt twice against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski<\/a> and is considered a large lightweight in general.<\/p>\n

Islam has since vacated his title and announced a move to the welterweight (170-pound) division.<\/p>\n

During a conversation about a potential fight between former and current lightweight champions Islam and Ilia, Chael had this to say to DC:<\/p>\n

\u201cIslam vs. Ilia is not this massive fight that people are trying to make believe it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

He further elaborated:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be \u2013 with a little bit of time. I\u2019m just sharing with you that those guys are a little too close to the forest to see the trees. If you put a belt around Islam, maybe we\u2019re having a different conversation.<\/p>\n

Chael Sonnen claims Ilia vs Paddy is a bigger fight than Ilia vs Islam right now \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n

“Islam and Ilia is not this massive fight that people are trying to make believe it is. It could be with a little bit of time. Ilia vs Paddy does a bigger gate than Ilia vs Islam right now. You\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/VyNMapMFVg<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

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Champ VS champ : Illia vs Islam<\/p>\n

Chael Sonnen<\/a> is a legendary bad guy in the UFC, known for bringing in promotional tactics more commonly associated with professional wrestling\u2014post-fight promos, turning heel, and relentless trash talk.<\/p>\n

In this case, Chael is pointing out that building up a fight\u2014through narrative, drama, and rivalry\u2014could drive more interest and engagement. However, with the UFC\u2019s upcoming move to Paramount+ and traditional pay-per-view numbers becoming less central to the business model, does it still benefit the promotion to invest heavily in building these storylines?<\/p>\n

Paddy \u201cThe Baddy\u201d Pimblett and Ilia Topuria<\/a> already have a history of bad blood, adding fuel to the potential matchup. Much remains to be seen, but with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje<\/a> seemingly pushed aside, a Paddy vs. Ilia fight for the lightweight title could be on the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"ChaelMandatory Credit: Al Powers \u2013 ESPN Images & Zuffa LLC<\/p>\n