Makhachev reacts to Edwards' UFC 296 win: 'We have to change the champion'

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev thinks it would serve the welterweight division well to topple Leon Edwards from the throne.

Makhachev attended the 170-pound titleholder's unanimous decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 296 this past weekend in Las Vegas, and he left unimpressed.

"This fight is bullshit, man," Makhachev said after the event Saturday, according to ESPN MMA. "We have to change the champion."

Makhachev is expected to defend his 155-pound title against either Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje in his next bout, but the Russian said, "Leon has to be next."

This isn't Makhachev's first time calling for a welterweight title shot in hopes of becoming a two-division champion. He said in October that he wanted to challenge the Edwards-Covington winner with a victory over Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch. Makhachev knocked out the Australian in the first round of his second title defense at UFC 294.

Unfortunately for the lightweight champ, several welterweight contenders are waiting for a crack at Edwards, namely Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Makhachev is ranked No. 1 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings, while Edwards sits at No. 4.