Islam Makhachev is eyeing the welterweight strap after UFC 294.
Lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) rematches Charles Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) in the Oct. 21 headliner at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
Just like he gave featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski an opportunity to become dual-champ in his most recent fight at UFC 284 in February, Makhachev wants to be granted the same chance if he gets past Oliveira for a second time.
“I don’t know what the UFC has planned, but my dream fight is for the second belt,” Makhachev told ESPN. “Of course, I am under contract, so whatever the UFC says, I will fight, no problem. But (Leon) Edwards vs. Colby (Covington) – I really believe I can beat (the winner). I look at their skills and what they have as champion and I know my skills. It’s going to be a good fight.
“I’m not saying I’m going to beat them easy. It’s going to be a hard, tough fight against a big guy. But I believe I can finish those guys. I gave a chance to (Volkanovski), so they have to give me a chance, too. I gave a chance to a guy from another division to come to my weight and to try to take this belt, and he lost. I want my chance, too.”
Welterweight champion Edwards (20-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) meets Covington (17-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) in the UFC 296 main event on Dec. 16 in Las Vegas. Makhachev sees them both as winnable matchups, but hopes Covington wins – simply because Covington called him out.
“I hope (Covington) wins, because I don’t know what Leon says about (fighting me),” Makhachev said. “I’ve never heard Leon say he wants this fight. But Colby wants it. That’s why I want Colby to win and we can meet one day.
“It would be a very good fight, he has good wrestling. It’s going to be U.S. wrestling vs. Dagestan wrestling. He’s a good fighter. He has good wrestling and good conditioning, but in my opinion, I stop his wrestling and land many good punches.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
Islam Makhachev welcomes Colby Covington’s challenge, wants chance at second title after UFC 294
