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via Imago
Credits: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1024195830h.jpg)
via Imago
Credits: Imago
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
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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.
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February 12, 2023, Perth, Perth, Australia, Australia: PERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 12: R-L Islam Makhachev battles Alex Volkanovski in their Lightweight title fight during the UFC 284 event at Rac Arena on February 12, 2023 in Perth, Australia. Perth Australia – ZUMAp175 20230212_zsa_p175_154 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx
He wrote, “UFC Abu Dhabi, October 21st Makhachev vs Edwards What do you think? @ufc @espnmma”
UFC Abu Dhabi, October 21st
Makhachev vs Edwards
What do you think? @ufc @espnmma— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 18, 2023
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.”
Não importa quanto tempo demore, se estiver nos planos de Deus, vai acontecer.
— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) July 12, 2023
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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.
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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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