Leon Edwards Challenges Nate Diaz to Stand up to His Word
Follow Us
After the fight between Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev fell off once again, it seems as if Edwards will have to wait longer for his UFC return. However, the number three ranked welterweight wishes to fight on the scheduled card. He even has a name in mind who wished for a similar Octagon return at 170-pounds – Nate Diaz.
Edwards and Chimaev were supposed to fight on March 13 next month. While Chimaev has made a name for himself by fighting in quick successions, Edwards has stayed on the sidelines since July 2019. As per ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Edwards is adamant about wanting to end his prolonged spell of inactivity.
Leon Edwards is very adamant on staying on the March 13 card, per his manager Tim Simpson. He doesn’t want to delay his return any longer.
As a result, Wonderboy isn’t an option because his hands are still injured from the Neal fight and he’ll only be able to return in May/June.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 12, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson dropped his name in the hat to fight Edwards. However, since he is still recovering from his fight against Geoff Neal this past December, he is ineligible to fight next month. Hence, Edwards has called out an even bigger name in Nate Diaz.
Nate just dribbled for an hour about wanting to fight at 170 against winners… let’s see it then @NateDiaz209. 8 fight win streak and #3 in the world. Let’s go if you still think you're a real one https://t.co/PUaPfwtRPQ
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) February 12, 2021
“Nate just dribbled for an hour about wanting to fight at 170 against winners… let’s see it then @NateDiaz209. 8 fight win streak and #3 in the world. Let’s go if you still think you’re a real one,” Edwards wrote on Twitter.
Why fighting Nate Diaz makes the most sense for Leon Edwards
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Earlier this week, Nate Diaz gave his first interview since losing to Jorge Masvidal in 2019. Even though the Stockton native wished to return, he was particular about not dropping down to 155-pounds. Instead, he wishes to compete at welterweight, a division he has fought his last three fights in.
The flaw in Diaz’s plan is that despite wanting to fight at welterweight, the opponents he showed an interest in are all top lightweights. Even though Diaz is a massive draw, the likes of Poirier and Oliveira are less likely to jump up a weight class to fight him, given that the 155-pound title will soon be up for grabs. Oliveira’s coach has even dismissed the possibility of a Diaz fight.
Trending
Dana White, Howie Mandel Finally Come Face to Face but Refuse to Reveal Reason Behind Podcast Walk Off
March 27, 2024 10:46 PM EDT
“You Could Be the Biggest Racist on the Planet” – Dana White’s Truth on Muhammad Ali Speaks Volumes
March 27, 2024 07:46 PM EDT
UFC News: Concerned on Jon Jones’ Injury, Dana White Confirms Next Move for Tom Aspinall
March 26, 2024 06:55 PM EDT
Dana White Takes a Firm Stand for Joe Rogan After Spotify Controversy – “Wasn’t Going Around Using the Word”
March 28, 2024 04:06 AM EDT
“I Was Nothing” – UFC Veteran Issues Warning to Khamzat Chimaev Over Robert Whittaker’s Dangers Ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia
March 28, 2024 02:12 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Edwards and Diaz make a ton of sense for each other as opponents. Diaz wished to stay active in 2021 and fight three to four times. He also added that he has been training and ready for return. Meanwhile, Edwards is riding an eight-fight win streak. However, what misses in his resume is a win over a certified draw such as Diaz.
On top of it, the other opponents Edwards wanted, Masvidal and Covington, will fight each other sooner or later, it seems. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the UFC matches any of them against Edwards.