“I don’t know when it will happen, but I won’t leave this sport without a second belt. My goal right now is to become a double champion,” Islam Makhachev revealed last month at UFC 311, after successfully defending his 155lbs title for the fourth time. His words indicate that his time in the lightweight division may soon come to a close. In the post-fight interview, the reigning kingpin sent a clear message to Dana White & Co. firmly expressing his intention to move up and secure a second belt.

However, Makhachev’s transition to welterweight may still be at least a year away. His comments, nonetheless, have placed the entire 170lbs division on alert, including rising contender Shavkat Rakhmonov and former champion Leon Edwards. As the spotlight now shifts to the Englishman, he is preparing for his Octagon return this week. For the unversed, ‘Rocky’ once trained alongside the Dagestani juggernaut at the American Kickboxing Academy under the guidance of Javier Mendez.

After losing his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad last year at UFC 304, the Englishman is now focused on regaining a title shot. At UFC London, the British-Jamaican will face Sean Brady, but with Makhachev possibly targeting the welterweight division, questions about his future have emerged.

During the UFC London pre-fight press conference, a reporter asked Edwards, “We’ve heard talks about Islam Makhachev moving into your division. Do you think it’s disrespectful for him to believe he can beat you guys, or do you think he actually has a chance, considering you’ve trained with him before?”

Leon Edwards then responded calmly, without any ill will toward Makhachev, explaining, “No, I think everyone’s trying to move up. Like I said, I’m trying to go to middleweight, Ilia’s trying to go to lightweight, and he’s trying to go to welterweight. That’s the game, right? The game is the game, and if he wants to move up, then so be it.”

As UFC divisions continue to evolve, more champions and former titleholders are setting their sights on the opportunity to become two-division champions. Dana White recently confirmed that the soon-to-be former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has moved up to 155lbs and is eying his shot at the Dagestani.

In a notable revelation from last year’s historic UFC 300, Makhachev shared that he was offered the chance to face then 170lbs champ Leon Edwards at welterweight. However, the 155lbs champ turned down the offer, explaining, “Training this time is very hard” during the Ramadan month.

Makhachev seems to have conveyed that he may no longer be interested in staying at 155lbs and stated that he “doesn’t see a lot of work left” in the lightweight division. Should Makhachev move to 170lbs, many consider Leon Edwards one of the toughest challenges for the reigning champion. Let’s hear what the experts have to say.

Leon Edwards’ coach breaks down the potential fight against Islam Makhachev

“I need my chance. I know it’s going to be a great fight with Leon Edwards because I know this guy,” Islam Makhachev said last summer, expressing his desire to face ‘Rocky’ while he was still the champion. The callout began in 2023 and was supported by the reigning 155lbs champ’s longtime coach, Javier Mendez, who noted that Makhachev would need two months to fully prepare for a welterweight fight and be ready to take on any 170-pound opponent. However, the Englishman coach, Dave Lovell, is skeptical of the Dagestani native’s readiness.

Lovell has emphasized Leon Edwards’ size as a potential problem for Islam Makhachev. Speaking to Submission Radio last year, Lovell shared his perspective, stating, “Islam moving up to welterweight, would he be big enough? Would he have the same effect that he has at his current weight? I don’t think so. Has he faced a sharpshooter like Leon? No, he hasn’t. And again, what can Islam bring to Leon? Size-wise, Leon’s physically bigger than him. He outreaches him.” Makhachev stands at 5’10” with a 70-inch reach, while the Brit-Jamaican towers at 6’2″ with a superior reach of 74 inches.

Over the years, Edwards has proven to be a powerful striker and has gained extensive experience in the Octagon, defending successfully against dominant grapplers like Kamaru Usman, twice. What do you think about a potential fight between Islam Makhachev and ‘Rocky’? Do you believe the 155lbs champ could replicate his dominance by making an impact in the welterweight class? Share your thoughts below.