Apparently, ruling the UFC lightweight division isn’t enough for Islam Makhachev. After his incredible victory at UFC 302, Makhachev immediately revealed his intentions to move up to the welterweight division. Now it seems like even Dana White is also on board with Makhachev’s champ-champ dream.
Islam Makhachev‘s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently spoke with Submission Radio. Many wonder if the UFC wants to entertain another champion vs. champion bout. While talking about Makhachev’s 170 lbs move, Abdelaziz revealed that UFC top brass have already given the green light.
They know he’s gonna go up, It’s coming. If Islam decides to go up, he’s gonna go up….We always seem to be have on same page.
Ali Abdelaziz via The Submission Radio YouTube
As a champion, Islam Makhachev has always chased new challenges. Immediately after becoming the champion, Makhachev called out Alexander Volkanovski, who was the pound-for-pound #1. Makhachev defeated Volk twice and now reigns as the P4P King. However, that’s not enough.
Makhachev had always dreamt of holding two belts; however, the fighter had various other obstacles. One of them is Arman Tsarukyan, who wants his title shot against the Dagestani later this year. On top of it, Leon Edwards doesn’t think Makhachev is ready for the 170 lbs belt.
Leon Edwards snubs Islam Makhachev’s double-champion dreams
Leon Edwards is expected to defend his UFC welterweight title at the upcoming Manchester event, UFC 302. It will be his third-ever title defense, and the British striker looks confident against challenger and #2 ranked contender Belal Muhammad.
Leon Edwards doesn’t think Islam Makhachev is ready for the welterweight title shot (via Imago/X)
During a recent interview with Sky Sports, Edwards was asked about fighting Islam Makhachev. While responding to it, ‘Rocky’ mentioned that Makhachev needs to defend his lightweight title a few more times before moving up.
He’s just defended against his first lightweight, actual lightweight, you know. I feel like he’s got a few more lightweights to go through first before he can even think about moving up. Like I said, if we both go on this reign then why not later on in the future?
Leon Edwards via Sky Sports YouTube
Leon Edwards also expressed his intentions to go to the middleweight division and capture the title. According to the champ, it will greatly impact his legacy. However, everything will most probably depend on the UFC and what the promotion decides for the fighters.
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