Bookies Back Islam Over Arman (But Not Leon)

Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight strap by submitting Dustin Poirier at the UFC 302 pay-per-view (PPV) event last weekend in Newark, and is expected to move on to face No. 1-ranked title contender, Arman Tsarukyan, at some point later this year.

That hasn’t stopped Makhachev from dreaming about a potential welterweight title fight against reigning 170-pound kingpin, Leon Edwards.

The bookies at BetOnline.ag opened Makhachev as a sizable favorite over the younger Tsaruykan, likely because the champ already defeated “Ahalkalakets” when they first went to war at UFC St. Petersburg back in early 2019 (more on that first encounter here).

As for welterweight … that depends on his opponent.

Islam Makhachev: -260
Arman Tsarukyan: +220
Note: The line opened Makhachev -325 and Tsarukyan +275.

Islam Makhachev: +105
Leon Edwards: -125
Note: The line opened Edwards -150 and Makhachev +130.

Islam Makhachev: -230
Belal Muhammad: +195
Note: The line opened Makhachev -200 and Muhammad +170.

It’s unlikely Makhachev will “Remember the Name.”

“I would never fight him, 100 percent,” Muhammad told MMA Fighting. “But honestly, he could go up to 185 and beat [Dricus] Du Plessis right now. I think he’s that good, really. I think he could go up there and be that two-division champ. Skip over 170 for a little bit, let me beat a couple of these younger guys, and then I’ll go up to 185.”

Skipping weight classes seems to be a trend these days.

No word yet on when or where Makhachev will make his next title defense, but UFC CEO Dana White recently told the combat sports media that Tsarukyan is next in line and matchmakers are currently targeting an event in mid-to-late fall.

Stay tuned.