Current Welterweight champion Leon Edwards is eyeing a second UFC title and aims to win it late next year after a few more 170lbs defences.
The return of the British champion is pencilled in for July 27th in a rematch against Belal Muhammed at the Co-op Arena. He will headline the UFC’s return to the UK on a stacked card up in Manchester. Edwards was looking for an April outing at UFC 300 however no matchup materialised.
Leon Edwards UFC Title Reign
In the summer of 2022 out in Salt Lake City he snatched the victory from jaws of defeat against dominant champion Kamaru Usman. The head kick heard around the world started the reign of the UK’s second ever UFC champion after Michael Bisping. His first defence was the rematch against Usman and he impressed with a dominant performance over the former champion in front of the UK fans. Next on the agenda was loud mouthed contender Colby Covington. The American had sat on the side lines and awaited his shot at the belt and he got it in December 2023, over 20 months after his last fight. The fight flattered to deceive as Covington put on a timid display and Edwards coasted to a points victory for his second successful defence. Now we are upon the Manchester defence this summer.
Middleweight Gold in 2025
Middleweight is in the sights of Leon Edwards as he aims for greatness and a second belt is an excellent way to boost your legacy. Speaking with Sky Sports the champion touched on his plan and presented a rough roadmap towards the 185lbs strap.
“My excitement is me getting another belt. My plan was to go next year. Defend my belt twice this year, that will be four defences. Maybe one more [defence] next year, that’s five defences. Then later on in the year, have a big middleweight fight. That’s six title fights, that’s more than worth it. That is my goal. Two [defences] this year, one next year, then end of next year move up.” Quotes via SkySports.
Challengers at 170lbs
Another man chasing double champion status is Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champion. He himself is mentioning the welterweight champion as he fancies a shot at the 170lbs title. When Edwards was asked about the challenge this was his response.
“I welcome it. I think we have both got work to do within our divisions, let’s say we both go on this reign then why not?” he followed stating “It’s a massive fight, feel like I have work to do in my division first, then the super fights will come.” Quotes via SkySports.
Armen Tsarukyan is rallying for his rematch with Makhachev which may come later on this year, of course Edwards has eyes on Muhammed and possibly the unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov before the end of the year. The notorious name of Conor McGregor will always loom around this weight divisions and if he makes a successful UFC return at 170lbs he will call for the belt. When asked about the Irishman this is what the champion had to say.
“He’s one of these names that, if he starches [Michael] Chandler calls for the 170 why not give it make a fun fight. That’s another name that would add to my legacy, that would excite me add to my greatness add to my legacy.” However, he stated he would not chase McGregor “I’m the champ, I’m not going to chase him if he wants to come get the strap, come get the scrap.” Quotes via SkySports.
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
