UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev needs to pursue champ-champ standing.
After Leon Edwards efficiently defended the UFC welterweight championship towards Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 this previous Saturday, Makhachev set his sights on ‘Rocky’ for a possible battle in direction of the tip of the yr.
“I need Leon subsequent,” tweeted Makhachev. “October in Abu Dhabi.”
I need Leon subsequent, October in Abu Dhabi
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 19, 2023
It’s no shock to see Makhachev hinting at a change in divisions, because the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) product lately revealed it was his ‘dream’ to carry titles at light-weight and welterweight. That stated, Makhachev does have a possible No. 1 contender between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush to give attention to, so maybe a transfer up in weight is out of the query — for now.
Makhachev has one protection on his résumé, a unanimous determination towards UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a ‘Struggle of the Yr’ candidate at UFC 284 in February.
As for Edwards, he has his subsequent protection set. UFC president Dana White introduced at his post-fight press convention that Colby Covington was subsequent for the Crew Renegade consultant.
Nonetheless, if Makhachev needs to strive his hand at a brand new weight class, Edwards is all for a champ vs. champ battle when he returns to the Octagon.
“All comers are welcome,” stated Edwards in his post-fight interview with BT Sport. “Pay me proper and I’ll present up. That’s my mentality. Should you pay me effectively, I’ll present up and anyone can get it.”
With the win towards Usman of their extremely anticipated trilogy, Edwards is on a 12-fight streak.
Concerning the writer: Kristen King is a author for Bloody Elbow. She has coated fight sports activities since 2016. (full bio)
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