Islam Makhachev calls for welterweight title fight with Leon Edwards after UFC 286: ‘I want him next’

Undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has called for the opportunity to avenge his Dominance MMA stablemate, Kamaru Usman following his UFC 286 title trilogy rubber match loss to Leon Edwards tonight in London – seeking an October welterweight championship bout in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

I want Leon next, October in Abu Dhabi 👊🏼

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 19, 2023

Makhachev, the undisputed lightweight champion, defended his crown for the first time back in February of this year at UFC 284 – besting featherweight gold holder, Alexander Volkanovski in a close, unanimous decision victory.

UFC 286: Leon Edwards keeps his title against a slow-moving Kamaru Usman | MMA MAG

As for Edwards, the Birmingham native bookended his rivalry with former champion, Usman tonight – landing himself an even closer majority decision (48-46, 48-46, 47-47) victory over the Nigerian on home soil in England.