Why are Islam Makhachev's fights getting harder? Chael Sonnen believes the answer isn't that his opponents are suddenly bigger, stronger, or better at 170 pounds. Islam's element of surprise is gone. His opponents are beginning to understand exactly what he's trying to do. They've studied him, prepared for his wrestling, and figured out how to make his signature style more difficult to execute. Islam has said that these fights are getting closer and that he needs to improve. Chael loves the mentality — but he doesn't believe the improvement Islam is talking about is actually possible. According to Chael, Islam has reached the point in his career where he's essentially topped out. He may be able to maintain his current level, but he's unlikely to become significantly better from here. And that's an entirely different challenge. When you've reached the highest level of the sport, the goal isn't necessarily to keep improving. It's to maintain what you've built while everyone else