Islam Makhachev calls for champion vs. champion bout against Leon Edwards

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev wants a champion vs. champion match against welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards in Abu Dhabi.

Makhachev is expected to headline UFC 294 on Oct. 21 at Etihad Arena but doesn’t have an opponent.  Instead of waiting to see who the fight promotion has in mind, Makhachev called for a welterweight championship bout against titleholder Leon Edwards.

UFC Abu Dhabi, October 21st
Makhachev vs Edwards
What do you think? @ufc @espnmma

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 18, 2023

Makhachev won the title last October by submitting Charles Oliveira in the UFC 280 main event.  He’s coming off a decision win over featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.  Volkanovski wants a rematch, but it appears that Makhachev has something else in mind.  

Edwards is expected to face Colby Covington later this year.