- Islam Makhachev has proposed a super title fight with Leon Edwards
- The UFC lightweight champion is looking at making it happen in October at UFC 294
Reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev came up with a bold proposal to the promotion right after Leon Edwards successfully defended his welterweight strap against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286.
A fight for champ-champ status
It can be recalled that Makhachev had just won a super fight against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. However, the victory neither made him a double champion nor the UFC’s pound-for-pound king. Seemingly eager to reach both feats, the Dagestani champ now calls for another super fight. This time, against Edwards.
According to Makhachev, he sees a title fight for champ-champ status with “Rocky” potentially taking place in October when the UFC flies to Abu Dhabi for UFC 294.
“I want Leon next, October in Abu Dhabi,” Makhachev tweeted.
I want Leon next, October in Abu Dhabi 👊🏼
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 19, 2023
Colby is back in the fold
While the UFC could consider Makhachev’s request, it appears that the timing is off as two-time welterweight title contender Colby Covington has already made his return. Covington was appointed as the official backup fighter for UFC 286’s main event and UFC president Dana White has also hinted at his interest to book “Chaos” against “Rocky” next.
It is yet to be determined how things will fall into place but as early as now, Edwards already voiced his disapproval of a title fight with Covington.
As for Makhachev, his likely next title challenger could either be No. 2 lightweight contender Dustin Poirier or the winner between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush, the pair set to clash at UFC 288’s main event in May.
The official card and main event for UFC 294 are still yet to be announced.
