Back to the MMA Newsfeed

Islam Makhachev calls for title fight with rival Leon Edwards after UFC 296: ‘He has to be next’

Undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, is campaigning for his own chance to become a two-division titleholder, calling for a siege of the welterweight crown against Leon Edwards after taking front-row viewing at UFC 296 over the weekend.

Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, headlined UFC 294 back in October most recently, landing a successful defense of his title in a blistering first round high-kick knockout win over two-time foe, Alexander Volkanovski in the pair’s rematch in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

As for Edwards, the Birmingham native continued his run as welterweight crown holder following UFC 296 over the weekend, turning in a comprehensive and comfortable unanimous decision win over former interim champion, Colby Covington in the duo’s grudge match in Las Vegas.