Paul Felder criticizes UFC champions Islam Makhachev and Leon Edwards: ‘Focus on your own weight class’

Paul Felder believes that fighters should prioritize establishing themselves in their own weight class before pursuing multiple championship titles.

Felder specifically highlights UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and welterweight champion Leon Edwards, expressing his reservations about their expressed desire for double champion status. While Makhachev has shown interest in challenging Edwards and Edwards has mentioned the possibility of moving up to middleweight, Felder asserts that it would be more beneficial for both fighters to first solidify their positions in their current weight divisions.

During an episode of Michael Chiesa’s “Roundup” Show, Felder emphasized his viewpoint, stating, “Guys, stay in your own freaking division and rule your own division. Can we get a worthy champion before you all want to fight for other belts?” He further notes that pursuing multiple championships has become a trend, with many fighters seeking to emulate the achievements of Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes, who successfully held titles in multiple weight classes.

Moreover, Felder underlines the recent title defenses of Edwards and Makhachev, with Edwards securing a unanimous decision victory over Colby Covington and Makhachev claiming a first-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovskiy. He suggests that prioritizing additional title defenses prior to pursuing other championship opportunities would further cement their legitimacy as champions.

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