In a surprising turn of events, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is setting his sights on the welterweight division, hoping for a shot at a second title if he successfully defends his lightweight crown against Charles Oliveira in their upcoming rematch at UFC 294.
The highly anticipated bout is scheduled to take place on October 21 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with fans eagerly awaiting the showdown. The event’s main card will be broadcast on pay-per-view, following preliminary fights on both ESPN and ESPN+.
Makhachev’s unexpected desire to move up in weight class mirrors his previous move that allowed featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski to attempt to become a dual-champion, which took place at UFC 284 back in February.
Expressing his aspirations, Makhachev stated, “I don’t know what the UFC has planned, but my dream fight is for the second belt. Of course, I am under contract, so whatever the UFC says, I will fight, no problem. But (Leon) Edwards vs. Colby (Covington) – I really believe I can beat (the winner). I look at their skills and what they have as champion and I know my skills. It’s going to be a good fight.”
Makhachev acknowledges the challenge that awaits him in the welterweight division, saying, “I’m not saying I’m going to beat them easy. It’s going to be a hard, tough fight against a big guy. But I believe I can finish those guys. I gave a chance to (Volkanovski), so they have to give me a chance, too. I gave a chance to a guy from another division to come to my weight and to try to take this belt, and he lost. I want my chance, too.”
Makhachev is keeping a close eye on the upcoming welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, set for UFC 296’s main event on December 16 in Las Vegas. He expresses a preference for Covington to win, primarily because Covington was the one who called him out.
“I hope (Covington) wins, because I don’t know what Leon says about (fighting me),” Makhachev said. “I’ve never heard Leon say he wants this fight. But Colby wants it. That’s why I want Colby to win, and we can meet one day. It would be a very good fight; he has good wrestling. It’s going to be U.S. wrestling vs. Dagestan wrestling. He’s a good fighter. He has good wrestling and good conditioning, but in my opinion, I stop his wrestling and land many good punches.”
