On the other hand, Edwards, a seasoned veteran known for his technical prowess and well-rounded skill set, is no stranger to the spotlight. Despite enduring a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs in his career, including a lengthy hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Edwards remains one of the top contenders in the welterweight division. A matchup against Makhachev represents a chance for Edwards to prove his mettle against a rising star and potentially earn himself a shot at the welterweight title. With the division currently in a state of flux, a decisive victory over Makhachev could catapult Edwards back into the title picture and set the stage for a showdown with reigning champion Kamaru Usman.

However, while the prospect of a Makhachev-Edwards matchup has fans salivating at the potential fireworks inside the Octagon, there are still hurdles to overcome before the fight becomes a reality. Negotiations between the fighters’ camps, scheduling conflicts, and contractual obligations all stand in the way of a potential showdown. Additionally, with the UFC landscape constantly evolving and new challengers emerging, there is no shortage of contenders vying for their shot at glory.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the matchup, one thing is for certain: Makhachev’s call-out of Edwards has injected a jolt of excitement into the MMA community. As fans eagerly await further developments, speculation runs rampant about the potential outcome of a Makhachev-Edwards clash. Will Makhachev’s grappling prowess prove too much for Edwards to handle? Or will Edwards’ striking pedigree be the difference-maker in the fight? Only time will tell.

In the fast-paced world of professional MMA, matchups like Makhachev versus Edwards represent the very essence of what makes the sport so thrilling: the clash of styles, the clash of personalities, and the clash of ambitions. As the MMA world holds its breath in anticipation, one thing remains clear: When two warriors step into the Octagon, anything can happen. So, will Islam Makhachev and Leon Edwards heed the call and sign the contract? MMA fans around the globe eagerly await the answer.