Islam Makhachev is assured he can beat Leon Edwards.
On Saturday evening, June 1, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ will put his lightweight world title on the line within the UFC 302 principal occasion in opposition to division fan favourite Dustin Poirier. Ought to Makhachev depart The Backyard State along with his title intact, he has his sights set on champ-champ standing.
Throughout an interview with UFC Hall of Famer and friend Daniel Cormier, Makhachev spoke about the potential of stepping contained in the Octagon with present welterweight champion Leon Edwards in a bid so as to add a second belt to his assortment. In the course of the dialog, Makhachev dished particulars on a sparring session that went down between himself and ‘Rocky.’
“I do know I could be double champion.” Makhachev mentioned. “I can beat Edwards. I’ve recognized his identify from my first day within the U.S. I do know him. No [he didn’t give my any problems], it was my first sparring session within the U.S. Now individuals perceive [Cormier] lies. My first sparring session within the U.S. was Leon.”
He continued, “…I knew, I couldn’t lose first sparring within the cage. When time started, I went double-leg and took him down. However at the moment, he wasn’t wrestler. He got here to [AKA] to study. Possibly proper now he’s good at wrestling and may defend. However at the moment, his massive [struggle] was wrestling. I took him down, and I held him.”
Islam Makhachev was provided the possibility to battle Leon Edwards at UFC 300
Islam Makhachev was provided the chance to problem Leon Edwards for the 170-pound title within the UFC 300 headliner, however in the end declined because the occasion went down simply days after the conclusion of Ramadan.
“It’s not doable, man,” Makhachev informed MMA Junkie when requested if the UFC proposed a battle in opposition to Edwards. “As a result of we now have Ramadan now. One month with fasting, and it’s not doable to do coaching in Ramadan. It’s very laborious. It’s a must to quick when the solar rises, and all day you must quick. … Coaching this time could be very laborious.”
As a substitute, Makhachev was paired up with Dustin Poirier for UFC 302 leaving Leon Edwards to are inclined to his division’s No. 1 ranked contender — Belal Muhammad.
Keep in mind The Title’ will lastly earn his shot as Edwards is ready to place his gold on the road in opposition to Muhammad at UFC 304 in Manchester, England on July 27. It will likely be Edwards’ first protection since scoring a lopsided victory over Colby Covington at UFC 296 final December.
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