Watch UFC 324: Edwards vs. Makhachev — Main Card Free.

What's at Stake

This superfight represents a historic quest for "double-champ" status as the Lightweight king Islam Makhachev moves up to challenge Leon Edwards for the Welterweight throne. For Edwards, a victory would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest 170-pounders in history, while Makhachev aims to join the elite ranks of two-division champions and claim the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings.

Head-to-Head

While this is the first professional meeting between the two champions, both men enter the Octagon on massive unbeaten streaks that span several years. Leon Edwards has successfully defended his title against the division's elite using his technical striking and improved grappling defense, while Islam Makhachev has dominated the 155-pound landscape with a blend of relentless Sambo wrestling and high-level kickboxing. Both fighters have shown incredible composure in championship rounds, making this a rare clash between two athletes at the absolute peak of their powers.

Key Players to Watch

• Leon Edwards — The champion's elite distance management and sharp counter-striking will be his primary tools to keep the fight standing.
• Islam Makhachev — His ability to chain wrestling sequences and find submissions in transitions poses the greatest threat to the champion's reign.
• Coach Javier Mendez — The mastermind in Makhachev's corner will be crucial in developing the tactical blueprint to bridge the size and reach gap.

Prediction

This bout is expected to be a tactical chess match where Leon Edwards utilizes his superior reach to point-fight from the outside. However, Islam Makhachev's relentless pressure and superior clinch work are likely to wear the champion down over five rounds. Expect Makhachev to secure a hard-fought unanimous decision victory by controlling the grappling exchanges in the later frames.