The UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has issued a callout to the welterweight champion, Leon Edwards. Taking to Twitter, Makhachev is calling for an assumed welterweight title shot at the upcoming UFC 293 card in Abu Dhabi. We strongly assume that Makhachev will headline the card due to his popularity in Abu Dhabi, however, as of yet, nothing has been confirmed.
UFC Abu Dhabi, October 21st
Makhachev vs Edwards
What do you think? @ufc @espnmma— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 18, 2023
The former champion, Charles Oliveira, is the next logical contender for Makhachev’s lightweight belt. The two men fought last year in Abu Dhabi at UFC 280, with the Russian getting the better of his Brazillian foe on the night. Fans want to see the rematch, especially following Oliveria’s great showing against Beneil Daruish last time out. With that being said, we understand that Oliveria will not be ready to turn around and fight again in October, so as of yet, the rematch appears to be off the cards.
As far as Leon Edwards is concerned, this call-out has come from nowhere. The assumption for Edwards is that he will face Colby Covington later on in the year. Covington weighed in as a surprise alternative for Edwards’ UFC 286 main event slot against Kamaru Usman. Although Covington is only riding a singular fight-winning run, it appears he will be next. If it isn’t to be Chaos, Belal Muhammad will gladly step up and rematch Rocky Edwards. The two men met in 2021, but due to an eye-poke, the fight was deemed a no-contest.
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Makhachev vs. Edwards?
The call-out from Makhachev makes little to no sense. Realistically, the fight will never be made. The two men have legitimate contenders in their own divisions. The Russian also has just two wins over guys ranked in the top 15, so has to prove himself against the elite of the division. It is worth noting, however, that he faced the featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski last time out.
It is the kind of crazy curve-ball that Dana White could throw out there for UFC 293. However, with the huge UFC 295 card from Madison Square Garden to mark the 30th anniversary of the UFC, it poses a question of whether the UFC can afford to put on two champions in a headliner the month before.
All will be revealed in the coming weeks, however!
