UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been on the hunt for an opponent to take on at UFC 294. Potential candidates and those deserving of a shot seem to all be unprepared, leaving Makhachev to call out welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
The lightweight division seems to be in an awkward spot ahead of UFC 294. Islam Makhachev is slated to defend his title but has yet to have an opponent lined up. While there isn’t a lack of options, there is a lack of timing for most that deserve a shot.
Potential Candidates for UFC 294
Charles Oliveira is coming off a stunning 1st round KO of Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 in June. While Oliveira seems to be the favorite choice for many, the Brazilian revealed that he won’t be ready for the October date. The potential winner of Justin Gaethje vs. Dustin Poirier would also have the chance to take on Makhachev. The champion has been on record saying he “prefers” a bout with Poirier, but may not get the chance in October. It’s unlikely that either Gaethje or Poirier will be healthy in just 84 days, especially if their July 29th fight is similar to the last.
This leaves a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski as one of the only options for Makhachev, something the champion seems to have little interest in at the moment. Volkanovski himself is coming off surgery on an elbow injury following a title defense earlier this month at UFC 290. While Volkanovski says an October rematch with Makhachev is not out of the question, it seems unlikely the UFC makes the fight with Ilia Topuria waiting in the wings.
Islam Makhachev Calls for Leon Edwards
With few options available for the champion, he has taken it upon himself to call out the welterweight champion. Leon Edwards is coming off back-to-back wins against Kamaru Usman, including a spectacular 5th-round KO to win the title. Edwards is expected to face former title challenger Colby Covington sometime later this year but seems disinterested in the matchup. A fight against Makhachev would be massive and could potentially pique the interest of the welterweight champion.
Regardless of who Makhachev faces at UFC 294, the #3 ranked P4P fighter has become someone you can’t miss. UFC 294 takes place on October 21st, leaving plenty of time for the UFC to figure out an opponent for Makhachev.
Do you think Islam Makhachev gets his wish for Leon Edwards? Who would want to see the lightweight champion take on at UFC 294? Let us know in the comments below.
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