UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev expressed interest in fighting welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards at an upcoming UFC event in Abu Dhabi.
UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is currently without an opponent. He has taken the opportunity to announce his desire to compete against welterweight champion, Leon Edwards. The suggestion comes as the UFC is set to return to Abu Dhabi, where Makhachev is expected to headline UFC 294 on October 21 at Etihad Arena. The 155-pound division’s situation remains unclear leading up to the event, with no known opponent for Makhachev. So Makhachev took to Twitter to suggest a champion vs. champion bout, expressing his ambition to secure a second title.
Makhachev is coming off a first-round finish against Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 in June, which prompted UFC President Dana White to suggest a rematch with Charles Oliveira. Makhachev overcame Oliveira to win the title at UFC 280 this past October. However, Oliveira disclosed during the UFC 290 fight week that he would not be ready to face Makhachev in October. Oliveira is instead targeting a fight date in November or December.
A potential alternative opponent for Makhachev is featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski recently defended his featherweight title in impressive fashion, dominating Yair Rodriguez in the UFC 290 main event this month. Volkanovski had previously lost a decision to Makhachev at UFC 284 in February. As for Edwards, he is slated to defend his title against Colby Covington later this year.