UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is heading into a rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 later this month, but it seems the star also has his eye on the welterweight title too.
In a new interview with ESPN, Makhachev revealed that his desire is to become a double-champion, and as such he’s setting his sights on fighting the winner of the end-of-year welterweight title clash between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington at UC 296.
“I don’t know what the UFC has planned, but my dream fight is for the second belt,” Makhachev told ESPN. “Of course, I am under contract, so whatever the UFC says, I will fight, no problem. But Edwards vs. Colby — I really believe I can beat [the winner]. I look at their skills and what they have as champion and I know my skills. It’s going to be a good fight. I’m not saying I’m going to beat them easy. It’s going to be a hard, tough fight against a big guy. But I believe I can finish those guys.”
As for whether he’s overlooking his next opponent or not, Makhachev makes it clear that he believes he has Oliveira’s number.
“This fight is interesting for the people; everybody wants to see this match again. But if I follow the plan, I can beat this guy easy, again. I believe that.”
