Leon Edwards is open to combating fellow UFC champion Islam Makhachev – however not proper now.
Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) continued to precise curiosity in shifting as much as welterweight to problem Edwards after he submitted Dustin Poirier to retain his light-weight title in Saturday’s UFC 302 principal occasion.
Edwards (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) defends his welterweight title in a rematch in opposition to Belal Muhammad within the UFC 304 principal occasion July 27 at Co-op Reside in Manchester, England. He likes the thought of going through Makhachev, however not till they each log in just a few extra title defenses.
“I welcome it,” Edwards informed Sky Sports activities of a Makhachev struggle. “I believe we’ve each obtained work to do inside our division. Let’s say we each go on this reign, then why not? He simply fought his first protection in opposition to an precise light-weight (Poirier). I really feel like he’s obtained just a few extra lightweights he’s obtained to undergo first earlier than he may even take into consideration shifting up.
“But when we’re each happening these reigns, then why not afterward sooner or later? We’re each related age, 32 years previous so, what a time to get it completed for positive. It’s an enormous struggle. Really feel like I’ve obtained work to do inside my division first then the tremendous fights will come.”
Edwards desires to chase dual-champion standing himself.
“I want to go up and problem for the middleweight belt, that’s my purpose,” Edwards mentioned. “But when we will get two on the identical time, why not? My pleasure is me getting one other belt. My plan was to go subsequent 12 months. Defend my belt twice this 12 months. That will probably be 4 defenses.
“Possibly yet another subsequent 12 months. That’s 5 defenses. Then afterward within the 12 months, have an enormous middleweight struggle. That’s six title fights. That’s greater than price it. That’s my purpose. Two this 12 months, one subsequent 12 months, then finish of subsequent 12 months transfer up.”
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