Trainer Dave Lovell believes UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev would fight with Leon Edwards‘ size.
Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) reiterated his interest in moving up to challenge welterweight champion Edwards (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC). The pair trained together years ago at the American Kickboxing Academy. With Edwards’ recent title defenses over prominent fighters like Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman, Lovell is confident that Edwards would be able to handle Makhachev’s fighting prowess.
“Leon already knew him because, at that time, they were at the (American Kickboxing Academy) when they basically started their career, and they had a little fight, along with Khabib and the rest of the boys,” Lovell said Send radio. “So, you know, Islam moving towards confusion, would it be big enough? Would it have the same effect as it does with your weight now? I do not think. Did he meet a sniper like Leon? No, he does not have. And again, what can Islam bring to Leo? In terms of size, Leon is physically larger than him. Reach him.
“So again, he’s going to fall back on what he knows, which is his wrestling. So it’s a shame when you look at the last guys Leon fought: Usman twice, Colby, all fighters. Now Belal, fighter. Islam, he is not known for his striking. They’re known for their wrestling, and that’s basically – Leon is getting better. People don’t understand, that’s what I told Ariel Helwani in the last interview. He told me about wrestling with Leon, and I said that everyone might be shocked when Leon faces Colby and shows Colby and Usman his wrestling, and he proved that to the world.
Edwards will attempt to make his third title defense when he faces Belal Muhammad (23-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 304 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
Like Makhachev, Edwards also has his sights set on two-time champion status, and Lovell sees that goal as achievable.
“One step at a time,” Lovell said. “But if that’s his plan, which isn’t a bad plan because we have some fighters who have done that and are in the process of wanting to do that, then why should Leon be any different? He’s big enough that he could be a middleweight.
“I wouldn’t suggest he stay there, but if he can go there and pick a fight where he can win the title and then go back to welterweight, well, that would be his dream to be fair right now. This is his next step. But, you know, when that happens, obviously we’ll try to make that move.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 304.
