Leon Edwards: I welcome ‘massive’ Islam Makhachev, fight but ‘we both have work to do within our division’

Leon Edwards is open to fighting against the UFC champion Islam Makhachev – but not now.

Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) continued to express interest in moving up to welterweight to challenge Edwards after submitting Dustin Poirier to retain the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302 on Saturday.

Edwards (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) defends his welterweight title in a rematch against Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 304, July 27, at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. He likes the idea of ​​facing Makhachev, but not before they both make a few more title defenses.

“I appreciate it,” said Edwards Celestial sports of a Makhachev fight. “I think we both have work to do in our division. Let’s say we both stay in this reign, so why not? He just made his first defense against a real lightweight (Poirier). I feel like he still has a few more lightweights to get through before he can even think about moving up.

“But if we are both going to pursue these reigns, then why not later in the future? We’re both the same age, 32, so what a time to do it for sure. It’s a huge fight. I feel like first I have work to do within my category and then the superfights will come.”

Edwards wants to pursue double champion status.

“I would like to move up and fight for the middleweight belt, that’s my goal,” said Edwards. “But if we can get two at the same time, why not? My excitement is to get another belt. My plan was to go next year. Defend my belt twice this year. There will be four defenses.

“Maybe one more next year. There are five defenses. Then, at the end of the year, have a big middleweight fight. There are six title fights. This is more than worth it. That’s my goal. Two this year, one next year, and at the end of next year they move forward.”

For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 304.

This story originally appeared on MMA Junkie