In 2021, Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC Lightweight champion, expressed his desire to face Tony Ferguson in his dream fight, hoping to retire the UFC legend. However, his aspirations have since shifted, and Makhachev now seeks to ascend to the welterweight division and pursue the 170lbs championship. In a recent interview with the New York Post Sports, Makhachev unveiled his revised dream fight scenario: a title bout against Leon Edwards, the UFC Welterweight champion. While Edwards is yet to respond, Makhachev’s ambition to become a two-division champion is significant in the context of his career. Fans have consistently drawn comparisons between Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, but Nurmagomedov never achieved double champion status. If Makhachev accomplishes this feat, he will indelibly inscribe his name in the annals of UFC history. In the meantime, Makhachev’s immediate focus is on his upcoming title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. In the same interview, he outlined his game plan for the fight, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance and preventing Poirier from employing the guillotine choke. Ironically, the guillotine choke has been both a boon and a bane for Poirier; while it is a signature move for him, it has also led to his downfall on multiple occasions, including in his title fight loss to Charles Oliveira. Makhachev’s game plan reflects his awareness of this potential threat and his determination to avoid a similar fate.
Islam Makhachev Shifts Dream Fight Focus to Leon Edwards, Plans Game Plan for Dustin Poirier Showdown
