UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev confirmed his desire to fight Colby Covington, who will face Leon Edwards on December 17 at UFC 296 in a bout for the welterweight division championship belt.
Match TV quotes Makhachev as saying:
Edwards or Covington? I hope it's Covington. I think there's just going to be a more interesting fight with him. And he's already said he wants to fight me. It's a chance to get a second belt. I think it will be easier to do it through him.
Recall, Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski by knockout in the first round at UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. He has 24 wins and one loss on his record.
Covington last stepped into the octagon against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022 at UFC 272. That fight went the full distance and ended in Colby's favor by unanimous decision of the judges. He has 17 wins and three losses on his record.