Does Islam Makhachev have a chance against Leon Edwards? Beneil Dariush weighs in
Could Islam Makhachev vs. Leon Edwards happen sometime in the near future? The lightweight champion called out 'Rocky' on Twitter following his victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286, which has led to discourse about how the fight could unfold.
See the tweet below:
🏼I want Leon next, October in Abu Dhabi 👊🏼
Lightweight title contender Beneil Dariush, who many believe should be the next man to challenge Makhachev, recently shared his thoughts on the hypothetical matchup. Dariush noted that the strength advantage the Dagestani possesses over many opponents at 155 lbs will not be present against Edwards, who is the bigger man.
Islam Makhachev uses his elite Sambo grappling and strength to dominate opponents at lightweight, but Dariush believes that Leon Edwards will be able to neutralize the Dagestani's overwhelming wrestling.
Beneil Dariush recently spoke to Submission Radio and said:
"I would assume a decision [win] for Leon, but Leon could possibly finish him. One thing I've noticed is Makhachev seems to have a strength advantage in most of his fights... but the few fights he hasn't had it, for example, Arman Tsarukyan and Volkanovski, he seems to really struggle... Fighting a guy like Leon, okay you're not cutting weight, but Leon can go five rounds. Leon can wrestle, can get up... I think Leon is right now the most well-rounded fighter I can watch."
Watch the interview below from 9:45:
Makhachev is regarded as one of the biggest lightweights on the UFC roster and reportedly walks around at 190 lbs outside of fight camp. However, considering his first title defense against Alexander Volkanovski did not go as expected, many believe that Islam Makhachev should focus on defending his belt and not taking on Leon Edwards.
Beneil Dariush comments on Islam Makhachev calling out Leon Edwards - "It was very frustrating"
Beneil Dariush appears frustrated at the idea of Islam Makhachev vs. Leon Edwards.
The perennial lightweight title contender was recently interviewed by Submission Radio and shared his confusion about Makhachev's callout of Edwards on Twitter. Dariush believes that the grueling weight cut that the Dagestani endures when cutting to 155 pounds could be the reason for him wanting to move up a division.
Dariush firmly believes that there is enough talent at lightweight to keep Islam Makhachev busy:
"Maybe he's having a hard time making weight at 155... I think he needs to focus on his division, there's a lot of good fighters in this division... Someone showed [Makhachev's tweet] to me, and I just rolled my eyes. I was like, 'Guys get this out of my face' It was very frustrating. I don't know what goes through theese guy's minds."