UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is setting his sights on adding another belt around his waist.
Makhachev would like to face the winner of the UFC 296 welterweight title fight on Dec. 16 between challenger Colby Covington and Leon Edwards.
"I don't know what the UFC has planned, but my dream fight is for the second belt," Makhachev told ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "Of course, I am under contract, so whatever the UFC says, I will fight, no problem. But Edwards versus Colby - I really believe I can beat (the winner)."
The 31-year-old is confident that moving up to the 170-pound division would present a "good" yet "hard" challenge. Makhachev likes his chances against either fighter.
"I believe I can finish those guys," he added.
The lightweight champion thinks he should have the opportunity to move up in weight and challenge for the title after successfully defending his belt against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski by unanimous decision at UFC 284.
"I gave a chance to that guy, so they have to give me a chance, too," Makhachev said.
Makhachev is openly rooting for Covington to win the Dec. 16 main event after the American downplayed his ability.
However, Makhachev (24-1) is focused on his upcoming matchup against Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 on Oct. 21. Makhachev, the UFC's No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter, scored a second-round submission over the former champ at UFC 280 in October 2022. The 155-pound titleholder has dominated the division, scoring notable finishes over Dan Hooker, Thiago Moises, and Bobby Green prior to sitting atop the division.
Oliveria (34-9, 1 NC) earned a rematch for the title after a first-round TKO victory over Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 in June.
Makhachev expects his rematch against the Brazilian this month to go a similar way to the first fight.
"If I follow the plan, I can beat this guy easy, again. I believe that," he said.
