Islam Makhachev Requests ‘Double Champ’ Fight to Dana White and UFC Against Leon Edwards Amid Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski’s Uncertainty

Islam Makhachev is itching for a super fight again. The Russian fighter last fought Alexander Volkanovski as he made his first title at UFC 284. As the UFC caravan moves to Abu Dhabi, its annual stop in the Middle East in October, it’s baffling to know that he is without a true challenger in sight. It appears now he is ready to take matters into his own hands.

Makhachev, except for the pandemic marred 2020, is a constant feature on the Abu Dhabi fight card for the previous 4 years. It is a growing consensus among fans and pundits alike that he will make his second title defense at Etihad Arena. But with the two most obvious choices, Volkanovski and Charles Oliveira out of the equation, the former sambo champion is growing impatient.

Islam Makhachev calls out the welterweight champion Leon Edwards

The 31-year-old turned to his Twitter handle and pitched the idea to UFC President Dana White. He zeroed in on ‘Rocky’ as he is dissatisfied with his next challenger, Colby Covington, and is nearest to his weight class. Therefore, the lightweight champion is ready to take on the welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 294.

He wrote, “UFC Abu Dhabi, October 21st Makhachev vs Edwards What do you think? @ufc @espnmma”

The next nearest, Volkanovski, shocked the fans when his camp announced the champion has to undergo elbow surgery. The fans would have loved a rematch between them. Similarly, both fighters have, on multiple occasions, expressed their desire to run it back. But the rematch is on the shelf for some time now.

Has Makhachev run of challengers?

On the other hand, the reluctance of ‘do Bronx’ has left the champion devoid of a clear challenger. The Brazilian fighter has announced the October timeline would be too soon for him and also declared he was willing to take the fight toward the end of the year. The fans would have admired a replay from the previous year’s Abu Dhabi headliner between Oliveira and Makhachev.

In a tweet, the former UFC champion wrote, “No matter how long it takes, if it’s in God’s plans, it will happen.”

Notably, the fight between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 might produce another contender. However, it is not sure whether the victor will take the championship fight in October.

Read More: “I Hate This P4P List”: Fans Hammer Down on “Ridiculous” Pound-For-Pound Ranking Update After Alexander Volkanovski Fails to Overtake Jon Jones Despite a Dominant Win at UFC 290

What do you think of this tweet by Islam Makhachev? Do you between a fight between him and Leon Edwards is a possibility? Let us know in the comments below.

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