‘It’s Kind of Tough’- Islam Makhachev’s Coach Hesitates Calling Out Leon Edwards Post UFC 296 Despite Lightweight Champion’s Complete Confidence

UFC 296 ended with Leon Edwards dominating his fight against Colby Covington. ‘Rocky’ showed his class and ensured he remained the welterweight champion. But what’s next? Many believe that Makhachev would be going against Leon Edwards for the Welterweight title. And in a recent YouTube video, coach Javier Mendez gave insight into his thought process regarding Makhachev’s move up the division. 

The current lightweight champion has shown interest in moving to the welterweight division after dominating the lightweight division. But what is the possibility of it happening? Coach Mendez gives us a new dimension regarding the possible fight. 

Mendez shares insight on possible fight

Islam Makhachev has been training under coach Javier Mendez for a long time. The Dagestani is one of the best fighters in the lightweight division, boasting a career record of 25-1-0. Now, the 32-year-old is waiting for a fight after successfully defending his title at UFC 294.

Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, recently showed interest in moving a weight class to the welterweight division. With Leon Edwards successfully defending his title at UFC 296, fans eagerly await this match. Though Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, feels it may take a while.

In a recent YouTube video, when Mendez was asked about the possibility of a fight between Makhachev and Edwards, coach Mendez stated, “Well… I mean calling out Leon, they are two good guys so it’s kind of tough you know”. 

With UFC 296 out of the way and Makhachev ready to fight next year, it will be interesting to see whom the champion faces next. Makhachev defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 and is desperate to fight again. But who else can the 32-year-old fight next? 

Is a possible rematch underway? 

UFC 294 ended with Makhachev ending the fight via knockout in the first round itself. Volkanovski and Makhachev previously met at UFC 284; however, ‘The Great’ took the fight to five rounds. With Volkanovski’s challenge out of the way, there seems to be another possible rematch. UFC 294 was previously scheduled between Makhachev and Oliveira. However, the fight never happened.

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The Brazilian suffered a massive cut during his sparring session, forcing him out of the fight. Previously, Makhachev defeated Oliveira when the fighters met at UFC 280. So, Oliveira might finally get a fight in 2024 against Makhachev. What do you think? Will we get to see the Dagestani square off against Oliveira, or will the current lightweight champion move to welterweight and take on Leon Edwards? Let us know in the comments below.

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