Islam Makhachev shouldn't move up a weight class for Leon Edwards' welterweight belt - UFC lightweight explains why

Islam Makhachev recently suggested that he'd like to face Leon Edwards for the latter's UFC welterweight title next. Edwards' most recent fight witnessed him successfully defend his UFC welterweight belt by defeating former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman via majority decision in their trilogy fight.

The trilogy matchup between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman took place at UFC 286 on March 18. Following that, reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev took to Twitter to call Edwards out. Makhachev indicated that he'd like to face 'Rocky' for the UFC welterweight title at the UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on October 21.

I want Leon next, October in Abu Dhabi 👊🏼

In a recent interview with The Schmo, UFC lightweight contender Drew Dober addressed the possibility of Makhachev moving up in weight to face Edwards for the welterweight belt. Dober responded by alluding to the fact that Makhachev himself defended his title against a champion from a lower weight class in his previous octagon outing.

Makhachev's last fight saw him defend his lightweight belt by beating UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision in a closely-contested fight at UFC 284 on February 12.

On that note, Dober opined that the UFC champions ought to stay in their respective weight classes rather than face other divisions' champions in super-fights and stall the divisions. Dober, who's expected to return to the octagon soon, explained why Makhachev shouldn't move up to fight Edwards:

"I mean, I think it'd be a tough fight. But Islam is super-talented. I think he could, you know, pose some problems at welterweight. But I think these champions need to stay in their weight classes. And I think 'Volk' did one hell of a job. But these champs need to build a legacy within their weight class and not try to jump and stall out divisions."

Watch Dober discuss the topic at 4:43 in the video below:

Is a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Leon Edwards super-fight on the cards?

It's believed that UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev could defend his title against the winner of the upcoming fight between Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush. The Oliveira-Dariush matchup is being targeted for UFC 288 on May 6. The consensus is that the winner could serve as Makhachev's next opponent at UFC 294 on October 21.

🚨 Charles Oliveira 🆚 Beneil Dariush is being targeted for #UFC288 on May 6th 🔥

Announced by @beneildariush via @TheSchmo312 🎙️

#UFC #MMA https://t.co/YWfvMnsIdL

Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White recently announced that UFC welterweight kingpin Leon Edwards is likely to defend his title against Colby Covington next. The exact date for the Edwards-Covington showdown hasn't been officially announced yet.

Covington has hinted that he'd like to fight Edwards during the UFC's International Fight Week in July. Considering the variables at play, a possible Islam Makhachev vs. Leon Edwards super-fight seems unlikely to materialize anytime soon.

Dana White announced during the #UFC286 post-fight press conference that Colby Covington will get a title shot next against Leon Edwards 👀

WHAT A MATCHUP 🔥 https://t.co/JHAIHZvd5z