‘I want Leon next’ – Lightweight champ Islam Makhachev calls for Edwards super-fight after UFC 286

UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev desires to pursue champ-champ standing.

After Leon Edwards successfully defended the UFC welterweight championship in opposition to Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 this previous Saturday, Makhachev set his sights on ‘Rocky’ for a possible struggle in the direction of the tip of the 12 months.

“I need Leon subsequent,” tweeted Makhachev. “October in Abu Dhabi.”

It’s no shock to see Makhachev hinting at a swap in divisions, because the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) product not too long ago revealed it was his ‘dream’ to carry titles at light-weight and welterweight. That stated, Makhachev does have a possible No. 1 contender between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush to concentrate on, so maybe a transfer up in weight is out of the query — for now.

Makhachev has one protection on his résumé, a unanimous decision in opposition to UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in a ‘Combat of the Yr’ candidate at UFC 284 in February.

As for Edwards, he has his subsequent protection set. UFC president Dana White introduced at his post-fight press convention that Colby Covington was subsequent for the Crew Renegade consultant.

Nevertheless, if Makhachev desires to attempt his hand at a brand new weight class, Edwards is desirous about a champ vs. champ struggle when he returns to the Octagon.

“All comers are welcome,” stated Edwards in his post-fight interview with BT Sport. “Pay me proper and I’ll present up. That’s my mentality. If you happen to pay me effectively, I’ll present up and anyone can get it.”

With the win in opposition to Usman of their extremely anticipated trilogy, Edwards is on a 12-fight streak.

In regards to the creator: Kristen King is a author for Bloody Elbow. She has lined fight sports activities since 2016. (full bio)

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