Islam Makhachev recently revealed that he was offered a highly anticipated champion vs. champion fight against Leon Edwards for UFC 300, but had to decline the opportunity. The potential matchup between the UFC lightweight champion, Makhachev, and the welterweight champion, Edwards, could have been a monumental event for UFC 300, which aimed to make a splash for its milestone occasion.
Both Makhachev and Edwards have yet to compete in 2024, making their clash even more anticipated. However, Makhachev’s observance of Ramadan posed a significant obstacle to accepting the fight. Ramadan, a sacred month in the Islamic calendar involving fasting from dawn until sunset, would have made it extremely challenging for Makhachev to train adequately for such a high-stakes bout.
Makhachev explained, “Training during Ramadan is very hard. You have to fast when the sun rises, and all day you have to fast.” With Ramadan falling from March 10 to April 9 and UFC 300 scheduled for April 13, the timing simply didn’t align for Makhachev to prepare effectively for the fight.
Islam Makhachev turned down his "dream fight" vs. Leon Edwards at UFC 300.
"I’m very upset … but this time I missed the chance."
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/UFHHfgDK0f
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 14, 2024
In an attempt to salvage the opportunity, Makhachev humorously suggested pushing back UFC 300 by two weeks, but unfortunately, that wasn’t feasible. Despite his disappointment at missing out on the dream fight against Edwards, Makhachev acknowledged the importance of timing in matchmaking and recognized that the stars didn’t align this time.
Expressing his disappointment, Makhachev stated, “Of course it makes me sad. This is a dream fight for me.” He had hoped to seize the chance to compete for a second belt against Edwards, but circumstances prevented it from materializing.
Nonetheless, UFC 300 boasts an impressive lineup with three title fights scheduled. Alex Pereira defends his light heavyweight title against Jamahal Hill, Zhang Weili faces Yan Xiaonan in the women’s strawweight division, and Justin Gaethje takes on Max Holloway for the BMF title.
Looking ahead, Makhachev aims to return to action in June and has his sights set on facing former interim champion Dustin Poirier. Despite doubts about Poirier’s deservingness of the title shot, Makhachev sees the matchup as appealing, especially with other contenders already booked for fights. Additionally, Makhachev is open to the possibility of challenging for a second title against Edwards in the future, provided they both continue winning.
