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

What's at Stake

The UFC Welterweight Championship hangs in the balance as Leon Edwards attempts to defend his throne against the reigning Lightweight king, Islam Makhachev. This superfight carries massive historical weight, as Makhachev seeks to become a two-division champion and solidify his status as the pound-for-pound best in the world, while Edwards looks to cement his legacy by defeating the most dominant force in the sport today.

Head-to-Head

While these two elite tacticians have never met inside the Octagon, both enter this contest on incredible winning streaks that have spanned years. Leon Edwards has remained unbeaten since 2015, showcasing a sophisticated striking game and vastly improved wrestling defense, while Islam Makhachev has dismantled top-tier contenders with his relentless Sambo-based grappling and evolving kickboxing. This matchup represents the ultimate clash between a master distance striker and a premier pressure grappler.

Key Players to Watch

• Leon Edwards — The champion’s ability to maintain distance and utilize his "sniping" left hand will be critical to keeping the challenger at bay.
• Islam Makhachev — The Lightweight champion’s elite chain-wrestling and clinch work are his primary tools for neutralizing Edwards' reach advantage.
• Belal Muhammad — As a top-ranked contender who has faced Edwards and trained alongside Makhachev, his presence as a potential future challenger looms over the result.

Prediction

This fight is likely to be a high-level chess match that goes the full five rounds. While Edwards has the technical striking to frustrate the challenger, Makhachev’s ability to force the clinch and secure timely takedowns should allow him to control the tempo of the later rounds. Expect Islam Makhachev to secure a hard-fought unanimous decision victory to claim his second world title.