Islam Makhachev, on Twitter, called Leon Edwards yesterday and gave a date and location. He wants the welterweight title.
UFC Abu Dhabi, October 21st
Makhachev vs Edwards
What do you think? @ufc @espnmma— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 18, 2023
Islam Makhachev’s last appearance in the cage was in February and his decision victory over Alexander Volkanovski, which allowed him to retain his lightweight title. Since then, the latter has announced that he wants his revenge in October, but Makhachev has not responded.
On the other hand, Charles Oliveira having declared that he will not be ready in October, Makhachev cannot fight against him but wants to enter the cage anyway, but for the welterweight title, against Leon Edwards. Here is what he tweeted:
“UFC Abu Dhabi, October 21 Makhachev vs Edwards. What do you think of the UFC?“
Since no one is really available for the lightweight title in October, Islam Makhachev’s proposal to move up a category is therefore not so far-fetched. But on the other hand, Leon Edwards could defend his title against Colby Covington or Belal Muhammad in October or November, which complicates the matter.
On the other hand, we can very well imagine that if the Islam Makhachev vs. Leon Edwards fight does not take place in October, it could well materialize after the title defense of the two men, in a field vs. field clash. But of course, they still have to win at least one fight.
Islam Makhachev is on a 12-fight winning streak and most recently beat Alexander Volkanovski as explained above, while Leon Edwards remained welterweight champion after beating Kamaru Usman in March in their trilogy. He too is at 12 consecutive victories.
