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Islam Makhachev calls for Leon Edwards title fight after UFC 302: ‘I already gave a chance to fighters at 145’

Slated to headline UFC 302 in June, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev is hellbent on challenging for a second…

Slated to headline UFC 302 in June, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev is hellbent on challenging for a second title after his comeback this summer, specifically in a showdown with welterweight titleholder, Leon Edwards.

Makhachev, the current lightweight gold holder, is set to make his comeback to the Octagon this summer in New Jersey, taking on former interim champion, Dustin Poirier in the pair’s championship headliner atop UFC 302.

UFC Saudi Arabia postponed until June amid links to Islam Makhachev comeback fight — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Sidelined since December, Birmingham native, Edwards himself most recently took main event honors at UFC 296, himself turning in a one-sided unanimous decision victory against former interim champion, Colby Covington in the pair’s heated grudge fight.

Islam Makhachev calls for Leon Edwards clash

And forever staking his claim for a siege at a second title belt, Makhachev, the current pound-for-pound number one, claims his decision to welcome title challenges from Alexander Volkanovski in a featherweight rise, should allow him to challenge for welterweight spoils after UFC 302.

“My dream fight: I have to fight in the next division, 170 [pounds],” Islam Makhachev told The New York Post. “I have to fight Leon Edwards. I already gave a chance to fighters at 145 [pounds]. That’s why I need my chance at a second belt. …Honestly, I don’t have any exciting fights, because Dustin (Poirier) has just one-fight win streak.”

“And we have Arman (Tsarukyan), but I already beat this guy,” Islam Makhachev explained. “I don’t have some job in my division, in my opinion, honestly. And I think I have a chance. They have to give me the chance for a second belt because I already beat the old guys.”

Leon Edwards confirms he will fight at UFC 300 I will defend my title in April in Las Vegas — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Himself linked with a comeback fight at the end of July in Manchester, Edwards has been touted as a shoo-in to feature at UFC 304 in a home soil return – amid links to a title fight rematch with the streaking, Belal Muhammad.

Who wins in a future title ‘super fight’: Leon Edwards or Islam Makhachev?

Islam Makhachev calls for division move after UFC 302 return: ‘I already beat everyone at lightweight’

Booked to make his return at UFC 302 at the beginning of June, Islam Makhachev claims if he dispatches…

Booked to make his return at UFC 302 at the beginning of June, Islam Makhachev claims if he dispatches incoming foe, Dustin Poirier in Newark, he immediately wants to test welterweight waters, claiming he’s already cleared out the lightweight division.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight titleholder and current pound-for-pound number one, is slated to make his first outing of the year in June, headlining UFC 302 in a title defense against former interim gold holder, Poirier.

Islam Makhachev set to fight twice this year ahead of expected UFC return — Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacece

Most recently headlining UFC 294, Russian standout, Makhachev dispatched ex-featherweight kingpin, Alexander Volkanovski in the pair’s title rematch, landing a first round high-kick and strikes KO win.

Islam Makhachev eyes welterweight move after UFC 302

And despite finding himself linked with a whole slew of potential future fights at 155lbs, namely a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan, a clash with fellow European talent, Mateusz Gamrot – or a bout with recent BMF title winner, Max Holloway, Makhachev insists he wants a welterweight move after UFC 302.

“Honestly, I don’t have any exciting fights, because Dustin (Poirier) has just [a] one fight winning streak,” Islam Makhachev told The New York Post. “And, we have Arman (Tsarukyan) – but I’ve already beat this guy.”

“I don’t have some job in my division, in my opinion, honestly,” Islam Makhachev explained. “And I think I have chance, they [the UFC] have to give me the chance for a second belt. Because I’ve already beat all the all (sic) guys.”

As for incoming foe, Poirier, the Lousiana native will look to finally capture undisputed lightweight spoils at the third time of trying – earning his title tilt with a second round knockout win over French contender, Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event of UFC 299 back in March.

Islam Makhachev backed to retire from the UFC by end of next year he's cleared out 155 pounds — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Winning vacant lightweight gold back in 2022, Makhachev snapped the division-record winning run of former champion, Charles Oliveira in the pair’s long-anticipated showcase, locking up an arm-triangle submission win.

Would you like to see Islam Makhachev fight for welterweight gold after UFC 302?

Nate Diaz heaps praise on past foe Leon Edwards: ‘I think he’s probably the best thing in the UFC right now’

Sharing the Octagon with incumbent welterweight champion, Leon Edwards back in 2021, UFC alum, Nate Diaz has heaped paise…

Sharing the Octagon with incumbent welterweight champion, Leon Edwards back in 2021, UFC alum, Nate Diaz has heaped paise on his prior opponent, claiming the Birmingham native is likely the best attraction the organization have to offer today from their entire roster.

Diaz, a former lightweight title challenger under the banner of the Dana White-led promotion, has been sidelined from mixed martial arts since he turned in a fourth round guillotine choke submission win in a rallying performance against Tony Ferguson in an impromptu UFC 279 headliner.

Nate Diaz eyes return at Las Vegas Sphere and fight at UFC 306 I'll be here

As for Edwards, the Team Renegade BJJ & MMA staple continued his dominant reign as welterweight pacesetter last December, racking up a one-sided unanimous decision win over former interim champion, Colby Covington in the pair’s heated grudge fight in Las Vegas.

Himself set for his sophomore outing in the boxing ring in June, Stockton fan-favorite, Diaz takes on another prior Octagon foe, Jorge Masvidal in a rematch of their inaugural BMF title fight back in 2019 in Madison Square Garden – with the bout set for the light heavyweight limit.

Nate Diaz heaps praise on Leon Edwards

Facing off with the Floridian UFC veteran overnight at a press conference in Nevada, Diaz spoke of the improvements the above-mentioned, Edwards has made since their respective fight three years ago – before labelling the best attraction on the UFC’s books currently.

Leon Edwards retains title in uneventual decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 296 Highlights — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“The coolest thing right now from the UFC is Leon Edwards,” Nate Diaz told Chisanga Malata. “That’s who I got my sights on. I like that – I like that fight, right now. And I think he’s doing great.”

“I think he’s gotten better,” Nate Diaz explained. “He’s doing better and he’s [got a] good attitude and a good fighter. And I think he’s probably the best thing in the UFC, right now.”

Nate Diaz claims he's still king Leon Edwards UFC 286

Squaring off at UFC 263 three years ago, Diaz suffered a unanimous decision loss to the current welterweight champion – however, earned massive plaudits and fan appeal after he wobbled the Brummie striker late in the fifth round, before running out of time to land a stoppage victory – almost pulling a win from the jaws of defeat.

Would you like to see Nate Diaz fight Leon Edwards in a rematch?

Islam Makhachev explains why he turned down UFC 300 title fight against Leon Edwards

Islam Makhachev turned down the chance to headline one of the biggest UFC events ever. Next month, UFC 300…

Islam Makhachev turned down the chance to headline one of the biggest UFC events ever.

Next month, UFC 300 will be headlined by a light heavyweight title tilt pitting reigning and defending champion Alex Pereira against former titleholder Jamahal Hill. In the weeks preceding the big announcement, multiple fighters were rumored to step into the main event spotlight next month, including Israel Adesanya, Khamzat Chimaev, and Jon ‘Bones Jones’

Among those top names was current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who revealed that UFC CEO Dana White came calling with an opportunity to move up and challenge Leon Edwards for welterweight gold.

“Honestly, yes, but it’s not possible, man,” Makhachev said when asked if he was offered the spot while speaking with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn. “Because we have Ramadan now. One month with fasting, and it’s not possible to do training in Ramadan. It’s very hard. You have to fast when the sun rises, and all day you have to fast. … Training this time is very hard.”

Islam Makhachev eyeing fight with Dustin Poirier

Considered the holiest month on the Islamic calendar, Ramadan runs from March 10 through April 9. With UFC 300 scheduled to go down on April 13, there simply wasn’t enough time for the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ to prepare himself for such an important opportunity.

“Of course (it makes me sad), this is a dream fight for me,” Makhachev said. “I don’t have any small chance to fight at UFC 300, that’s why I’m very upset, man. It’s a big deal, big fight with Leon Edwards for the second belt, but this time I miss the chance.”

Though the timeline for UFC 300 did not work out, Makhachev hopes that he can book himself a fight this summer. With both Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira already booked, Makhachev has been angling for a fight with former interim champion Dustin Poirier. The Diamond’ is fresh off a highlight-reel-worthy knockout of Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299 on March 9.

“I know Dustin does not deserve the title fight, but we don’t have any option right now,” Makhachev said. “Everybody is busy. I want to fight. I want to fight three times this year. I have to call out someone, and Poirier is free now. He showed an excellent performance and scored a beautiful knockout. He’s free now, he’s healthy, and I asked him to fight in June.”

Check out the full interview with Islam Makhachev below:

Khamzat Chimaev eyeing summertime return, addresses rumors of a UFC 300 title fight with Leon Edwards

Khamzat Chimaev’s return to the Octagon is imminent. Fight fans last saw the undefeated Chechen monster in October when…

Khamzat Chimaev’s return to the Octagon is imminent.

Fight fans last saw the undefeated Chechen monster in October when he scored a majority decision victory over former welterweight world champion Kamaru Usman. Since then, rumors have been flying as to who he would face next.

In an interview ahead of this Saturday’s Fight Club Rush 19 event in Stockholm, Sweden ‘Borz’ offered up a timeline for his first appearance in 2024.

“In the summer, I think — in the summer we’ll be back,” Chimaev said. “I want to fight in Saudi Arabia, but I don’t think anyone wants to fight me there. So we’ll see what’s going to happen. Just waiting for something, and they want me to fight [at UFC] 300, but I said it’s too short a time for [170 pounds], I need more time.”

Khamzat Chimaev is targeting a summer return. He wants to fight in Saudi in June, but says no one wants to fight him.

He also says he didn’t take the fight against Leon Edwards at #UFC300 since the turnaround was too short to make 170 lbs, and his brother told him not to fight… pic.twitter.com/30zseUGYM6

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 23, 2024

For a time, Chimaev was heavily rumored to feature on UFC 300 in April. As it turns out, the promotion offered him a spot opposite reigning welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards. However, With too short of a turnaround to properly make the weight and Ramadan going right up until fight week, ‘Borz’ decided it was best to take the advice of his brother and opt out of the opportunity.

“It wasn’t 100 percent sure, but we had talked, my manager said, ‘Maybe, maybe,’” Chimaev said of the Edwards matchup. “My brother said to me, ‘Not in Ramadan,’ so after Ramadan we take some time in camp and then we fight anyone.”

Following his win over the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ at UFC 294, Khamzat Chimaev appears to be primed for a long-awaited title shot, whether it be at welterweight or middleweight. He was recently tied to a fight with Israel Adesanya in the Saudi Arabian capital on June 22, but UFC CEO Dana White was quick to squash those rumors.

Islam Makhachev plotting welterweight title charge in UFC return: ‘I’m hoping he will fight at Madison Square Garden’

Coach of Islam Makhachev, Javier Mendez lays out the 2024 plan for the reigning lightweight champion. After firmly closing…

Coach of Islam Makhachev, Javier Mendez lays out the 2024 plan for the reigning lightweight champion.

After firmly closing the Alexander Volkaovski chapter of his career thanks to a swift head kick, Islam Makhachev will look to continue to carve his championship legacy. However, with all of the top four ranked 155lbers all currently booked, it’s unclear who he will face on his return and considering his recently picked-up injury when exactly it will be.

Islam Makhachev backed for welterweight leap

Talking with Casino Alpha, head coach of American Kickboxing Academy, Mendez, laid out what he would like, which includes eventually moving up in an attempt to win the welterweight title.

“After Ramadan, I’m hoping the UFC will fight Islam at Madison Square Garden, only because it’s good for his marketability to fight in the U.S.,” Mendez said. “That’s what I’d like, but right now there’s no fight on the horizon for him just yet. I’m sure soon the UFC will announce a return for him, but just not yet.

“Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and then the welterweight title. They would be my three next fights for Islam. I’d like to see Islam become the welterweight world champion in 2025. I’d love to see that, and I know he would too. If we get two fights this year, who knows, you might see the UFC offer him a title shot sooner.”

Makhachev is also currently ranked the UFC’s No.1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter and shows no sign of slowing doing. In fact, the 32-year-old has ended six of his last seven fights inside the distance.

Whether it be a Oliveira or Tsarukyan rematch, or veteran slugger Gaethje next, Makhachev could see his hands full with all presenting their own threats but Makhachev will likely enter a heavy favourite into all three matches. It will be the move up to 170lbs that will the biggest risk of his career and where Makhachev could really cement himself in the history of the sport.

Do you think Islam Makhachev can win the UFC welterweight title?