Leon Edwards has had a remarkable journey in his rise to becoming the UFC welterweight champion. The Jamaican-born fighter began his career with the promotion in 2014. Since then, has steadily worked his way up the ranks. Edwards has fought some of the toughest opponents in the division and holds a 12-fight win streak.

His crowning moment came at UFC 278, where he defeated Kamaru Usman to win the welterweight title. Edwards put on a masterclass performance, utilizing his striking skills to knock Usman out in the fifth round. He then successfully defended the title against Usman in a rematch at UFC 286. Both victories were a testament to Edwards‘ hard work and dedication.

Leon Edwards talks about his next fight

Following his victory, UFC president Dana White had plans to set up a pay-per-view fight between Edwards and Colby Covington in London. The fight would have been a huge draw, with Edwards representing England and Covington representing the United States. However, Edwards rejected the offer.

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Edwards further elaborated on his decision. When asked about the potential fight with Covington, Edwards stated that he needs more time to rest his body and would prefer to fight on the Abu Dhabi card in October. Edwards went on to say that he would like to see Covington fight Gilbert Burns at the July Fight Night, with the winner facing him for the title. Alternatively, Covington could wait until Edwards is ready to fight.

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“If I fight in July, I have to begin training this week. I need more time to rest my body. I’d love to do the Abu Dhabi card [in October]. That’s my goal. That card in July is going to be a Fight Night. I’d love to see Colby fight Burns there, and the winner of that fights me. Or Colby can wait.”

The fight that Leon Edwards wanted

Ever since defending his belt at the UFC 286, Edwards has been vocal about the fact that Covington is not the opponent he wishes to face. He reasoned Covington’s inactivity behind this statement. So who is the fighter that Edwards wanted to face after UFC 286? It is none other than Jorge Masvidal.

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In the same interview, Edwards also discussed how he wanted to fight Masvidal. According to him, if Masvidal would have won the UFC 287 fight against Burns, they could have fought with the welterweight title on the line. “That’s a fight I wanted. The fans wanted to see it, as well. But Jorge fumbled the bag. If he beat Gilbert, that would have been the fight to make”, Edwards said.

Edwards and Masvidal share a troubled history. On 16 March 2019 at UFC Fight Night 147, Masvidal and Edwards engaged in a backstage brawl that left Edwards with a bruise on his face. Fans would have loved to see the rivalry get settled in the octagon. However, Masvidal hung up his gloves after UFC 287. Who do you think faces Leon Edwards next for a shot at the welterweight title? Do let us know in the comments below.