Islam Makhachev is considered to be one of the best fighters in the world right now. The Russian fighter is currently ranked as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. He is coming off a very strong head-kick KO victory over Featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. In an interview with TNT Sports, Makhachev revealed his first sparring session in the USA with Leon Edwards.
Leon Edwards surprised the fans when he knocked out the Welterweight GOAT Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 with a head kick. However, Makhachev revealed that he was already aware of this kick when he sparred with ‘Rocky’ for the first time.
Islam Makhachev started by saying that he asked his coach at AKA, Javier Mendez if he could go inside the cage and do some rounds. “Javier said yes, but we have one guy a little bit big and he is a very good striker,” explained Islam. Furthermore, he claimed that Javier warned him about Leon’s signature head kick.
“My coach said at that moment that, he has a very good left high kick, be careful,” said Makhachev. Furthermore, he said that he took Leon down during the first round itself. “I just go to a double leg takedown,” said Islam. However, he said that he had a very good round with the current welterweight champion.
Islam Makhachev wants to fight the winner of Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington
With just three title defenses, Islam Makhachev has solidified his presence in the Lightweight division. He became the first person to knock Alexander Volkanovski out in the UFC. Furthermore, he gave a fighter from another division to Volkanovski to become a double champion. However, Islam Makachev has now made his intentions clear to become a double champion himself.
“I already give (gave) a chance to some guy from other (another) division and I need my chance,” said Makhachev. Furthermore, he confirmed that he wanted to fight the winner of the fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington. Makhachev also said that he will be present at the UFC 296 event to watch the fight live in the hopes of someone calling him out.
However, this was not the only time that Islam has asked for a chance to become a double champion. During the UFC 294 pre-fight press conference, the Lightweight Champion said that he wanted his chance at the Welterweight belt. It will be interesting to see if Dana White will make this fight or not.
In the meantime, Leon Edwards will defend his Welterweight title against a gamed Colby Covington at UFC 296. Furthermore, this event will be the last PPV of the year and will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA. On the other hand, Islam Makhachev will most likely defend his belt against Charles Oliveira since he got injured and could not compete at UFC 294.
Will Islam become a double champion in the UFC? Can he beat Leon Edwards? Let us know in the comments below.