Islam Makhachev is assured he can beat Leon Edwards.
On Saturday night time, June 1, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ will put his light-weight world title on the road within the UFC 302 essential occasion in opposition to division fan favourite Dustin Poirier. Ought to Makhachev go away The Backyard State along with his title intact, he has his sights set on champ-champ standing.
Throughout an interview with UFC Corridor of Famer and pal Daniel Cormier, Makhachev spoke about the potential for stepping contained in the Octagon with present welterweight champion Leon Edwards in a bid so as to add a second belt to his assortment. Throughout the dialog, Makhachev dished particulars on a sparring session that went down between himself and ‘Rocky.’
“I do know I may be double champion.” Makhachev stated. “I can beat Edwards. I’ve recognized his identify from my first day within the U.S. I do know him. No [he didn’t give my any problems], it was my first sparring session within the U.S. Now folks perceive [Cormier] lies. My first sparring session within the U.S. was Leon.”
He continued, “…I knew, I couldn’t lose first sparring within the cage. When time started, I went double-leg and took him down. However at the moment, he wasn’t wrestler. He got here to [AKA] to be taught. Perhaps proper now he’s good at wrestling and may defend. However at the moment, his massive [struggle] was wrestling. I took him down, and I held him.”
Islam Makhachev was supplied the possibility to combat Leon Edwards at UFC 300
Islam Makhachev was supplied the chance to problem Leon Edwards for the 170-pound title within the UFC 300 headliner, however finally declined because the occasion went down simply days after the conclusion of Ramadan.
“It’s not potential, man,” Makhachev advised MMA Junkie when requested if the UFC proposed a combat in opposition to Edwards. “As a result of now we have Ramadan now. One month with fasting, and it’s not potential to do coaching in Ramadan. It’s very arduous. You need to quick when the solar rises, and all day you need to quick. … Coaching this time may be very arduous.”
As an alternative, Makhachev was paired up with Dustin Poirier for UFC 302 leaving Leon Edwards to are likely to his division’s No. 1 ranked contender — Belal Muhammad.
Keep in mind The Title’ will lastly earn his shot as Edwards is about to place his gold on the road in opposition to Muhammad at UFC 304 in Manchester, England on July 27. It will likely be Edwards’ first protection since scoring a lopsided victory over Colby Covington at UFC 296 final December.
