Islam Makhachev reveals mixed plans for UFC 300 bout against Leon Edwards

Islam Makhachev, the UFC Lightweight Champion of the world, recently shared that he was offered the Leon Edwards bout for UFC 300 but refused to take the fight. Islam had called out Leon earlier in 2023 after Edwards fought Colby Covington.

Leon Edwards, the Welterweight champion of the world, has successfully defended his belt twice, once against Kamaru Usman and the second time against Covington. The Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington matchup is infamous in the MMA community for being ‘low activity’. Makhachev also took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out Edwards for a ‘boring fight’.

Islam Makhachev explains his decision to reject Leon Edwards fight

Islam Makhachev revealed to MMAJunkie that he had to refuse the Leon Edwards matchup due to Ramadan, even though the Champion is completely willing to go against Leon Edwards at Welterweight.

Islam Makhachev, the Dagestani prodigy, is deeply committed to his religious practices, much like his teammates and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and his homeland, Dagestan. Makhachev has been a dominant champion in the Lightweight division. After defeating Charles Oliveira in Dubai and successfully defending his belt against Alexander Volkanovski, Islam Makhachev awaits his next opponent for a title defense matchup.

Islam Makhchev receives Dustin Poirier challenge

After a sensational KO victory against Benoit Saint-Denis, Dustin Poirier was quick to callout Islam Makhachev, wanting a shot at the title against the Dagestani Champion.

Dustin Poirier took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Islam in June”.

Islam Makhachev was also quick to reply to “The Diamond” and later replied to Dustin with a handshake emoticon. The fight was further solidified when Islam Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, confirmed the bout against Dustin Poirier. On X, Abdelaziz posted, “Dustin Poirier took a huge risk tonight and came out on top and looked amazing.”

Apart from praising Dustin, Abdelaziz also confirmed that he was actively seeking a fight date, stating, “Dustin vs @MAKHACHEVMMA in June, especially since everyone else has fights. If the UFC is good with this, then Islam would be game.”

Abdelaziz further reiterated that Islam Makhachev is ready to face Dustin Poirier and will not shy away from the challenge. Given the massive following both fighters have garnered recently, a bout between Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev could headline a significant pay-per-view event.