Leon Edwards has outlined his hopes of trying to become a two-weight world champion if he’s able to keep hold of the welterweight title this Saturday at UFC 304.
His third title defense comes in Manchester against Belal Muhammad but whilst “Rocky” has plans to go up, the champion at the weight class below may have something to say about that.
Lightweight king Islam Makhachev also wants a shot at champ-champ status in the near future and Edwards has been open to that idea in the past.
Despite Makhachev being considered by many to be the most in-form fighter in the world right now, the welterweight champion’s coach believes that he isn’t a big threat to Edwards’ title.
Dave Lovell Questions If Islam Makhachev Would Be Able To Cause Leon Edwards Problems
During an interview with Submission Radio, Team Renegade’s Dave Lovell spoke about how he sees a fight between Makhachev and his fighter playing out.
Lovell doesn’t believe that the lightweight champion is a major concern to Edwards for a few different reasons.
As he points out, “Rocky” is very used to fighting the top grapplers in his weight class at this point and has proven to be very effective against them.
With Makhachev moving up in weight there will be a clear size difference between the two men and that gives Lovell confidence that “Rocky” would be too big and too skilled should the fight ever happen.
“Would he be big enough? Would he have the same effect that he has at his weight now? I don’t think so. Has he met a sharp shooter like Leon? No he hasn’t. Again, what can Islam bring to Leon? Size wise, Leon’s physically bigger than him, outreaches him.
“So again, he’s going to resort to what he knows which is his wrestling so it’s just unfortunate that you look at the last guys Leon fought. Usman twice, Colby, all wrestlers. Now Belal, wrestler. So, Islam is not known for his striking. They’re known for their wrestling and basically, Leon’s improving, people don’t understand.”
