Islam Makhachev is assured he can beat Leon Edwards.
On Saturday night time, June 1, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ will put his light-weight world title on the road within the UFC 302 important occasion towards division fan favourite Dustin Poirier. Ought to Makhachev go away The Backyard State together with his title intact, he has his sights set on champ-champ standing.
Throughout an interview with UFC Corridor of Famer and buddy 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. Through the dialog, Makhachev dished particulars on a sparring session that went down between himself and ‘Rocky.’
“I do know I will 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 a superb wrestler. He got here to [AKA] to be taught. Perhaps proper now he’s good at wrestling and may defend. However at the moment, his huge [struggle] was wrestling. I took him down, and I held him.”
Islam Makhachev was provided the prospect to struggle 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 finally 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 struggle towards Edwards. “As a result of we’ve Ramadan now. One month with fasting, and it’s not doable to do coaching in Ramadan. It’s very onerous. It’s important to quick when the solar rises, and all day you need to quick. … Coaching this time may be very onerous.”
As an alternative, Makhachev was paired up with Dustin Poirier for UFC 302 leaving Leon Edwards to are likely to his division’s No. 1 ranked contender — Belal Muhammad.
Keep in mind The Title’ will lastly earn his shot as Edwards is about to place his gold on the road towards 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.
