Ex-UFC champ dismisses Islam Makhachev's chances against Leon Edwards in potential "double champion" bid
A former UFC champion has weighed in on Islam Makhachev's plans to potentially defeat Leon Edwards and become a two-division UFC champion. The veteran fighter seemingly believes Makhachev would lose to Edwards.
Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has long been lobbying for a title shot against current UFC welterweight champion Edwards.
Their fight almost came to fruition at UFC 300 (April 2024). Makhachev self-admittedly declined it, owing to his Ramadan obligations. Edwards has maintained that he's open to facing the Dagestani MMA stalwart, but he feels they must defeat a few more challengers in their respective divisions before a super-fight.
On Submission Radio, former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos was recently asked about his upcoming return to welterweight and Makhachev's ambition to capture welterweight gold. 'RDA' was questioned about whether he sees Makhachev or Edwards holding the welterweight title by the time he (dos Anjos) works his way up to a possible title shot.
The Brazilian-American, who himself lost to Edwards, responded by stating:
"No. I think, like, because I remember when I move up, I fought all the [welterweight] contenders. I fought Robbie Lawler. I fought Neil Magny, which was, like, I think number six or seven at the time. I fought Tarec Saffiedine. And when you move up and go straight for the title, of course, you have bigger chances to become a champion. But I don't think Islam — he's in a very good momentum right now, but I don't think he can beat Leon Edwards and become a double champion."
'RDA' referenced Makhachev's latest fight, a fifth-round submission victory against former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in a grueling showdown at UFC 302 (June 2024). He further alluded that Poirier's been submitted in all three attempts at capturing the undisputed UFC lightweight title.
The 39-year-old opined that Poirier's a tough and great fighter, but his submission defense isn't on point. He insinuated that if a former featherweight (145-pound) fighter like 'The Diamond' could trouble Makhachev, an elite welterweight like Edwards would surely defeat him:
"I just think, like, the size difference. Leon is a much bigger guy. And we see smaller guys like Poirier giving Islam a lot of trouble."
Check out dos Anjos' comments below (12:11):
Islam Makhachev vs. Rafael dos Anjos — A grudge match marred by cancelations
Islam Makhachev is expected to defend his UFC lightweight title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan when the latter returns from his suspension. Meanwhile, during his Submission Radio conversation, Rafael dos Anjos revealed that he's open to facing Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson or Kevin Holland at welterweight, likely in August or September.
Islam Makhachev and Rafael dos Anjos are longtime rivals, who were previously scheduled to clash in a lightweight bout at UFC 254 (Oct. 2020). However, dos Anjos was afflicted by COVID-19 and withdrew from it. Their fight was rescheduled to take place at UFC Vegas 14 (Nov. 2020), but Makhachev withdrew due to a staph infection.
The UFC then booked the fight for the third time, and they were to fight at UFC 267 (Oct. 2021). Regardless, dos Anjos withdrew from the event due to injury issues. Following that, the two fighters traded barbs and continued their feud.