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

What's at Stake

This superfight represents a historic collision for the UFC Welterweight Championship, as pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev moves up in weight to challenge the established reign of Leon Edwards. A victory for Edwards would solidify his place as one of the greatest welterweights of all time, while Makhachev seeks to join the elite ranks of "double-champ" status by holding titles in two divisions simultaneously.

Head-to-Head

While this is the first professional meeting between the two champions, both fighters enter the octagon with immense momentum and lengthy unbeaten streaks. Leon Edwards has successfully defended his throne against the division's top contenders using his elite striking and improved grappling defense, whereas Islam Makhachev has dominated the lightweight landscape with a relentless wrestling-heavy approach and evolving knockout power. This clash serves as the ultimate stylistic test between British technical kickboxing and Dagestani sambo mastery.

Key Players to Watch

• Leon Edwards — The champion’s ability to maintain distance and utilize his clinch game will be vital in neutralizing the takedown threat.
• Islam Makhachev — The lightweight titleholder looks to prove his strength carries up to 170 pounds as he attempts to ground the larger man.
• Belal Muhammad — As a top-ranked contender in the division, his presence ringside adds pressure to the winner for a mandatory title defense.

Prediction

This bout is expected to be a tactical chess match where Leon Edwards uses his superior reach and lateral movement to frustrate the challenger in the early rounds. However, Makhachev’s relentless chain-wrestling and top control are likely to wear the champion down as the fight enters the championship rounds. Expect Islam Makhachev to secure a hard-fought unanimous decision victory to become a two-division champion.