Islam Makhachev is eyeing champ-champ status in Abu Dhabi later this year after calling out welterweight belt-holder Leon Edwards on Sunday.
The lightweight champion, who captured the 155-lbs crown in the capital last October, made clear his desire to take on Edwards immediately following the latter’s successful welterweight title defence against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 in London.
The UFC announced on Thursday that it will return to Abu Dhabi on October 21, with UFC 294 at Etihad Arena. “I want Leon next” Makhachev tweeted early on Sunday. “October in Abu Dhabi.” Edwards, who defeated Usman last August by a sensational knockout to claim the welterweight title, came through their trilogy clash – Usman won their first encounter, in 2015 – at O2 Arena via a majority decision.
It lifted Edwards’ unbeaten run to 12, while Makhachev rides a 12 fight win-streak after successfully defending his belt last month against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.