‘This Weekend is My Title Fight’- Leon Edwards is Focused on His Fight Against Belal Muhammad

Published 03/12/2021, 1:06 PM EST

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Leon Edwards is finally coming back to the Octagon after more than 600 days. He last fought in July 2019, and ever since then, the fights just failed to materialize.

He was set to fight Khamzat Chimaev, and the fight was booked thrice, but it got canceled every time due to health issues. However, this turned out well for the Brit as he is now facing Belal Muhammad this Saturday at UFC Vegas 21 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was asked about his thoughts on the fact that Dana White promised him a title shot if he puts in a spectacular performance. He said that Dana’s words meant a lot to him but also added, “I’m focused a 100% on Belal Muhammad.

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“I’m treating this weekend as my title fight, I had a long time off, I haven’t fought for over a year, so I’m focusing on Belal. After this Saturday, I’ll look towards that, talk to the UFC, talk to Dana White and we’ll go from there.”

Leon Edwards on waiting for a title shot

A reporter asked him if he was willing to wait for a title shot as Kamaru Usman might fight Jorge Masvidal sometime in the summer. There are talks of UFC planning this fight for September and making Usman and Masvidal the coaches for the Ultimate Fighter.

“I won’t wait for another year and a half. After this Saturday, I’ll talk to the UFC, and we’ll go from there, but I’m not looking to wait another year and a half,” Leon answered.

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It is understandable considering his stock did fall due to his inactivity, and while a win-streak of 9 would guarantee a title shot for anyone, he was overlooked.

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His last fight was against Rafael dos Anjos. He put in a dominant display and won the fight via unanimous decision. His fight against Belal Muhammad has incredibly high stakes as a loss for Edwards could very well derail all his momentum.

On the other hand, a win for Belal would cement his spot among the welterweight elite. He has called for a title shot as well. If he wins this fight, there is a chance that he might get it.

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Expect a good main event for an excellent card this Saturday, and whatever you do, don’t look away.

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Written by:

Aniket Awasthi

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Aniket Awasthi is a UFC author at EssentiallySports. This STEM undergraduate combines an insatiable urge to write with his admiration for MMA and the UFC in general to enhance his journalism. He calls charismatic names like Chael Sonnen and 'The Count' Michael Bisping as his favorite fighters, but he is a great admirer of the rise of Israel Adesanya ever since he fought Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221.
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