The current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is gearing up for UFC 302 in June and has his sights set on a potential showdown with welterweight champion Leon Edwards to secure a second title. He is excited about the challenge ahead.
Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, is set to make his return to the Octagon this summer in New Jersey, where he will face former interim champion Dustin Poirier in the headline bout at UFC 302.
Edwards, from Birmingham, who has been out of action since December, most recently headlined UFC 296 and secured a dominant victory over Colby Covington in a high-profile bout.
Islam Makhachev’s Desire for Showdown with Leon Edwards
Ranked as the current pound-for-pound No. 1, Makhachev is considering moving up to featherweight to take on Alexander Volkanovski for a title shot. He aims to challenge for the welterweight title at UFC 302.
“My dream fight is to compete in the 170-pound division,” stated Islam Makhachev in an interview with New York Post. “I want to face Leon Edwards. I have given other fighters a chance in the 145-pound category. That’s why I am eager for an opportunity to vie for a second title. To be honest, Dustin (Poirier) has only one recent win, so there isn’t much excitement there.”
“We also have Arman (Tsarukyan), but I have already defeated him,” Makhachev elaborated. “Honestly, I don’t see many challenging opponents in my division. I believe I deserve a chance. I have bested the more experienced fighters, so now it’s their turn to give me an opportunity to contend for the championship title.”
Edwards is also in talks for a return bout in Manchester in late July and a potential title rematch with Belal Muhammad, with the possibility of a return to the UK for UFC 304.
Who will emerge victorious in the anticipated “Superfight” for the title: Leon Edwards or Islam Makhachev?
