Watch UFC 325: Edwards vs Makhachev — Main Card Free.

What's at Stake

This superfight represents a historic quest for double-champion status as lightweight king Islam Makhachev moves up to 170 pounds to challenge Leon Edwards. For Edwards, a victory would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest welterweights of all time by defeating the pound-for-pound number one, while Makhachev aims to join the elite ranks of simultaneous two-division titleholders.

Head-to-Head

While these two champions have never met in the Octagon, both enter the bout on incredible unbeaten streaks that have spanned several years. Leon Edwards has successfully defended his throne against the division's top contenders using his elite striking and improved grappling, while Makhachev has dominated the lightweight landscape with a relentless blend of Sambo and refined kickboxing. This matchup serves as the ultimate stylistic clash between a technical sniper and a suffocating pressure grappler.

Key Players to Watch

• Leon Edwards — The champion’s ability to maintain distance and use his clinical counter-striking will be vital to keeping the challenger at bay.
• Islam Makhachev — The lightweight titleholder moves up in weight looking to prove that his wrestling and strength can translate to the welterweight division.
• Ian Machado Garry — A potential future challenger on the main card whose performance could determine the next in line for the winner of the main event.

Prediction

The bout is expected to be a tactical chess match where Leon Edwards utilizes his superior reach and clinch work to nullify the takedown attempts. However, Islam Makhachev’s relentless chain wrestling and improved striking defense may allow him to control the later rounds on the ground. Expect a highly competitive contest that ends in a narrow unanimous decision victory for Makhachev to crown a new double-champion.