Leon Edwards open to potential Islam Makhachev fight, wants to "challenge for middleweight belt" someday

Leon Edwards has revealed his long-term fight plans, hinting at a potential super fight against Islam Makhachev while also setting his sights on a move up to middleweight.

Edwards will first defend his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in his home country later this month.

However, the 32-year-old champion has ambitions beyond welterweight.

In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Edwards acknowledged a potential clash with Makhachev, the current lightweight champion:

"For sure for sure, I feel like we’ve both got work to do within our division…We’re both on similar paths so I can see that happening in the future"

However, Edwards' ultimate goal appears to be a move to middleweight and a shot at the 185-pound title:

"I would like to move up as well and challenge for middleweight belt.”

Check out Leon Edwards' comments below:

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Marc Goddard reveals why he excludes himself from officiating Leon Edwards' fights

Veteran UFC referee Marc Goddard, a familiar face in the octagon for nearly two decades, has explained why he will never officiate a fight involving Leon Edwards.

In a recent interview on the OverDogs Podcast, Goddard revealed a surprising connection to Edwards:

''You've never seen me referee Leon Edwards in the UFC, and you never will. Why because I was Leon Edwards first coach MMA way way way back when when he was just an amateur. Again, the common sense element for me, with the link, you've never seen me referee him and you never will. We'll just keep it out of the way. I just don't want any hassle. And I don't want to be put in a predicament where I'm making a call that could go against him. So it's both ways."

Goddard expressed a desire to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

Check out Marc Goddard's comments below: