Getty Image / Mike Roach
Becoming a double champion has seemingly become the ultimate goal for fighters within the UFC.
There have only been a handful of them, so becoming one would certainly guarantee someone a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.
We now have another fighter expressing ambitions to become a double champ himself, as Islam Makhachev reveals his desires to reach that goal.
During an interview with Daniel Cormier, Makhachev shares that he’d love to take on Leon Edwards for the welterweight belt.
According to ESPN MMA, Islam Makhachev claims he “can beat Leon Edwards. Anywhere, I can beat this guy.”
Islam wants a second belt 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ngfl2E3MtB
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 13, 2023
Maybe he can, maybe he can’t. A matchup between Makhachev and Edwards sounds rather intriguing.
Especially considering how much Edwards has improved in his ground game and takedown defense. Mix that with his natural stand up abilities and you have yourself a difficult matchup for Makhachev.
Additionally, it’s unknown if this superfight could even be made right now. There are plenty of opponents for Islam Makhachev to focus on right now.
For starters, Charles Oliveira certainly deserves a rematch after knocking out Beneil Dariush. On top of that, many fight fans believe Alexander Volkanovski is deserving of a rematch as well.
Meanwhile, rumors are that Leon Edwards will be facing Colby Covington in the cage next. However, nothing is set in stone just yet.
So, a possible superfight between Islam Makhachev and Leon Edwards could be a long ways down the road from happening.
Regardless, UFC fans can’t help but speculate what that matchup might look like.
Yes this needs to be real
— MrAnderson85 (@mrmranderson85) June 14, 2023
A ton of fight fans don’t think Makhachev has a chance against Edwards. This is the strongest explanation as to why.
Leon’s last loss was Usman in 2015, cuts to 170lb and Islam thinks he take Leon easily?😂🤣 he’s literally been training for you for almost a decade without realizing it lol
— DJ (@myrksitymma) June 14, 2023
There is plenty of work available in the lightweight division.
How about you get some title defenses at 155
— Nick (@nixedPoE) June 14, 2023
Give Alexander Volkanovski another chance!
He didn’t really beat Volk. That’s the fight we all wanna see again.
— ✭bendrick lamar✭ (@cleftchineddie) June 13, 2023
If anything, Islam Makhachev has plenty of fights available to him right now in the lightweight division.
But if he can defend his belt a few more times, maybe then it would be time to give him a double champ opportunity.