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Tag: Leon Edwards

  • Nate Diaz Targets Two Other Rematches After Boxing Win Over Jorge Masvidal

    Nate Diaz Targets Two Other Rematches After Boxing Win Over Jorge Masvidal

    Now that Nate Diaz has avenged his previous loss to Jorge Masvidal, he has other names in mind that he’d like to get wins back on.

    Diaz scored a majority decision win over Masvidal in the main event of a boxing card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, on July 6. This served as a rematch — albeit in another sport — five years from their first encounter at UFC 244. Masvidal won the initial fight by doctor’s stoppage, making him the first-ever BMF champion of the UFC.

    Diaz scored the win in the closely contested boxing match with a volume-based attack, despite Masvidal landing the harder and arguably cleaner strikes.

    Following the fight, despite Masvidal’s wishes for a trilogy bout and an exchanging of words, Diaz expressed a desire to get back in the ring with Jake Paul and to return to the UFC to face current welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

    Nate Diaz Calls Out Jake Paul & Leon Edwards After Avenging Jorge Masvidal Defeat

    Diaz doubled down on these thoughts at the post-fight press conference.

    “Just off the top of my head, I would like to whip (Paul’s) ass,” Diaz said. “I would like to get a win against Leon Edwards, who’s the best fighter in the world right now at 170 (pounds). I think that’s something major who actually brings something that I can take and put in a credential box. That’s what I’m going for. I’m not playing for no f*cking fun fights, because that sh*t ain’t fun.”

    Diaz made his professional boxing debut against Paul last year. “The Problem Child” dealt some big damage to Diaz in the opening rounds before going on to win a decision.

    Paul called Diaz out on social media after the fight, claiming that the Stockton native has been ducking him despite the callout. As he noted on X/Twitter this weekend, Paul has previously offered Diaz upwards of $15 million for a rematch in the PFL MMA cage, not in the boxing ring.

    In his second-to-last UFC fight, Diaz dropped a decision to Edwards at UFC 263.

  • Ian Garry Plans Backup Role For Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad At UFC 304: ‘Dan Ige Stepped In…Anything Can Happen’ 

    Ian Garry Plans Backup Role For Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad At UFC 304: ‘Dan Ige Stepped In…Anything Can Happen’ 

    Before looking ahead to his next official booking, UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry has his sights set on a different kind of assignment in Manchester later this month.

    Garry is just days on from his latest victory inside the Octagon, as the Irishman extended his perfect professional record to 15-0 with an eighth triumph since arriving on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in 2021.

    The result came at the expense of former Bellator standout Michael “Venom” Page, who was narrowly outpointed by “The Future” in the main card opener of this past weekend’s UFC 303 pay-per-view event.

    In the aftermath, Garry has mentioned names such as former champion Kamaru Usman and the highly regarded Shavkat Rakhmonov as potential next opponents en route to the welterweight gold.

    But the Dubliner is also seemingly planning to make the most of the possibility — however slim — that he could compete with gold on the line in just a few weeks’ time…

    Garry Says He’s Offered To Be Backup Fighter For UFC 304 Main Event

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TPKGBU_R3A

    During a backstage interview with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports post-fight, Garry reflected on his success inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, assessed his next steps, and looked ahead to his division’s upcoming title joust.

    In one of two championship contests set for the promotion’s return to Manchester, England, for UFC 304 on July 27, Leon Edwards will run it back with Belal Muhammad in defense of his 170-pound belt.

    Garry is keen to weigh in as the backup fighter for the headliner, especially after seeing the number of matchups that fell through on the UFC 303 card and the same-day opportunity that arrived at Dan Ige’s doorstep.

    “I told the UFC two months ago, ‘When I win at UFC 303, I want to be the backup (at UFC 304).’ I want to be there just in case anything happens,” Garry said. “Look at this fight card (UFC 303), look at how many fights fell through. Dan Ige stepped in today! You know what I mean? Anything can happen, and I wanna be there just in case.

    “Whether it’s Leon, whether it’s Belal; whoever it is. I respect both of those guys’ skillset and talent. I’m aware how good they are,” Garry continued. “But I know I can go out there against any man on the planet and get my hand raised. So for me, I’m gonna be there (in Manchester). I’ve offered to UFC, Hunter (Campbell), and Dana (White), I will be the guy to stand in and make sure that there is gonna be a welterweight world title fight if anyone pulls out. So for me, that’s next.”

    It remains to be seen whether or not Garry will indeed appear on the scales a day out from UFC 304.

    But having experienced a tumultuous month of late-notice cancellations, perhaps the promotion will take “The Future” up on his offer to ensure the UK fans inside the newly built Co-op Live have a welterweight title fight guaranteed.

  • What’s Next After UFC 303? Full Confirmed UFC 304 Main Card For Manchester On July 27

    What’s Next After UFC 303? Full Confirmed UFC 304 Main Card For Manchester On July 27

    UFC 303 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering.

    The promotion was in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week, where the T-Mobile Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for International Fight Week. Of note were victories for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira, fast-rising featherweight fan favorite Diego Lopes, and undefeated welterweight Ian Garry.

    While the aftermath of the June 29 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the light heavyweight title picture to the 170-pound championship conversation.

    At UFC 304, set for the newly built Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27, reigning welterweight kingpin Leon Edwards will make the walk for the first time this year, making his third defense of the gold in a rematch against Belal Muhammad.

    There will also be title stakes between familiar opponents in the co-headliner, as interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall runs it back with Curtis Blaydes two years on from his devastating knee injury opposite “Razor” just 15 seconds into their UFC Fight Night main event in London.

    Pimblett, Mokaev, Allen Set The Stage For Title Headliners At UFC 304

    Before Edwards and Aspinall defend their championships on home soil in the main and co-main events, respectively, a number of other high-profile Brits will take to the Octagon looking to make the post of their position on the major card.

    That includes up-and-coming lightweight Paddy Pimblett, who gets his toughest test to date in the form of the #15-ranked Bobby Green. After extending his unbeaten UFC record to 5-0 by getting the better of Tony Ferguson, the Liverpool native has the chance to break through into the top 15 against “King,” who most recently outpointed Jim Miller on the milestone UFC 300 card this past April.

    Prior to that, Dagestan-born Brit Muhammad Mokaev will look to stake his claim for a first shot at the flyweight gold when he meets former Rizin champion Manel Kape. “The Young Punisher” most recently edged past ex-title challenger Alex Perez at the Apex in March. “Starboy,” meanwhile, hasn’t competed since a victory at UFC 293 in Sydney last September, with a weight miss and injury subsequently scrapping his two scheduled rematches with Matheus Nicolau this year.

    Another local favorite will open the main card, with Ipswich native Arnold Allen looking to get back on track. Following a valiant effort in defeat against Max Holloway in Kansas City last April, “Almighty” fell on the wrong side of a tight and debated decision opposite Movsar Evloev at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, this past January. To bounce back, Allen must halt the resurgence of striking specialist Giga Chikadze, who most recently returned to winning ways at the expense of Alex Caceres in Singapore last August.

    See below for the full UFC 304 card, as it stands.

    Main Card:

    • Leon Edwards (C) vs. Belal Muhammad (welterweight championship main event)
    • Tom Aspinall (C) vs. Curtis Blaydes  (interim heavyweight championship co-main event)
    • Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett (lightweight)
    • Muhammad Mokaev vs. Manel Kape (flyweight)
    • Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze (featherweight)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Nathaniel Wood vs. Daniel Pineda (featherweight)
    • Molly McCann vs. Bruna Brasil (women’s strawweight)
    • Caolán Loughran vs. Ramon Tavares (bantamweight)
    • Mick Parkin vs. Łukasz Brzeski (heavyweight)

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Oban Elliott vs. Preston Parsons (welterweight)
    • Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues (middleweight)
    • Sam Patterson vs. Kiefer Crosbie (welterweight)
    • Shauna Bannon vs. Ravena Oliveira (women’s strawweight)
    • Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio (light heavyweight) 
    Image: Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports

  • Arman Tsarukyan Reacts To Islam Makhachev’s Latest Welterweight Tease At UFC 302: ‘Don’t Try To Run…’

    Islam Makhachev continued to show his prowess with his fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier to retain the UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302.

    Makhachev’s victory now sparks questions about what could be next for him. It’s no secret that the next target date for the Dagestani could be in late October in Abu Dhabi, as Makhachev has done the last two years and his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, did before him.

    However, while many speculated that the next logical step would be a title defense against Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev stated in his UFC 302 post-fight interview that he’s eyeing a new challenge in moving up to challenge current UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

    In a response on X (formerly Twitter), Tsarukyan gave a respectful congratulations to the lightweight champ but suggested that he was looking to run away from him.

    “Congrats to Islam! But don’t try to run away to another division. You’ve only defended your title once against a real lightweight, and I’m next in line,” Tsarukyan wrote.

    Tsarukyan Implies Makhachev Is Trying To Run From Him By Targeting Welterweight Title

    Tsarukyan seemingly became the next contender to the lightweight title by way of his finish of former champion, and previous top contender, Charles Oliveira in a title eliminator at UFC 300 in April.

    Makhachev defeated Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022 to capture the lightweight championship. He has since defended the title twice against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, in addition to Poirier.

    Edwards, meanwhile, is scheduled to defend the welterweight championship against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, which takes place on July 27 in Manchester, England.

    The UFC has previously announced that this year’s Abu Dhabi pay-per-view card will be UFC 308, which will take place on October 26. Makhachev has also teased another appearance on US soil instead, specifically Madison Square Garden the following month.

  • Leon Edwards Expects Trilogy After He Beats Kamaru Usman

    Leon Edwards expects to immediately be placed in a trilogy fight should he defeat reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman in their eventual rematch.

    Since Jorge Masvidal was forced to withdraw from their match at UFC 269, Edwards has been in limbo waiting for his next fight. To make matters worse, the coronavirus pandemic ruined several promising matchups for Edwards, including Tyron Woodley and Khamzat Chimaev.

    For some time now, he has called out the pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman to be next in line for a title shot. And it seems he will finally get his wish, as Dana White says Edwards is “100 percent” next to fight Usman.

    Usman beat Edwards back in 2015 by unanimous decision. Back then, they fought on the early preliminary card. Obviously, both fighters have grown since their first meeting inside the Octagon.

    Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards
    Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards at UFC on Fox 17, Photo Credit: Reinhold Matay- USA TODAY SPORTS

    For starters, Edwards went on to defeat nine opponents, back to back. Meanwhile, Usman has remained undefeated in the UFC and has taken down some of the division’s best—a couple more than once.

    But Edwards is far from worried. He plans to beat Usman and claim the welterweight throne when they battle again.

    Not only that, Edwards believes the only fight that can happen next is their trilogy match.

    “I believe so. I believe so. When I go out there and beat him, like I said, he’s been a dominant champion for a little while now, so when I go out there and take the belt off him, I can see #3 happening straight away. And from there, we’ll figure out what’s next,” said Edwards in an interview with MMA Junkie.

    With some fighters such as Weili Zhang, Deiveson Figueiredo, and the legendary Stipe Miocic getting instant rematches for title fights in the past, Usman receiving one as well is a strong possibility.

    For now, there is no date set in stone for Usman vs Edwards, but the bout is expected to be booked this summer, potential during International Fight Week.

    What are your thoughts on Leon Edwards expecting a trilogy match immediately following his potential victory against Kamaru Usman?

  • Leon Edwards Would Consider Giving Masvidal A Shot If He Wins The Belt

    Leon Edwards would still be open to fighting Jorge Masvidal, even under the current conditions.

    Leon Edwards is in a good position right now. He will likely be the next man to challenge UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman for the title later this year. Edwards has had a long road to this title shot and has made a few enemies along the way. One particular nemesis who had been calling his name in the past is Jorge Masvidal.

    Masvidal and Edwards are both welterweight top-ten staples. They have both been fighting their way up the rankings for around the same amount of time. Masvidal has had two shots at the title in the past few years while Edwards is awaiting his first.

    The two were scheduled to meet last year but an injury to Masvidal forced him out. When he was ready to fight again, it was Colby Covington, not Edwards, standing across from him.

    Masvidal lost to Covington and his title aspirations could be on hold for a bit unless perhaps Edwards gives him a shot. Edwards spoke a bit to MMA Junkie about whether he would still entertain a fight with Masvidal in the future.

    “No, I think our career, I’m going like this (pointing up) and he is going like that (pointing down) it’s going to be difficult to balance it out when if we can ever fight,” Edwards said. “I might just f–king win the belt and be like, ‘F–k it, let’s fight.’ So you never know, we’ll see.”

    Edwards has not lost a bout since 2015, although he did have a no-contest thrown in. He has arguably proven that he is the logical next opponent for Usman and he is hoping to cap off his amazing eight-year UFC career to this point. When and if he becomes the champ he will be able to call these kinds of shots.

    Do you think Leon Edwards will ever become the UFC welterweight champion?

  • Darren Till Names UK Fighter Most Likely To Be Next UFC Champion

    UFC middleweight contender Darren Till has named who he believes the next UK fighter to claim UFC gold will be.

    Till is planning a UFC return for later this year after losing back-to-back fights at middleweight. He’s been seen training with rising star Khamzat Chimaev as he plans a potential rise back into the middleweight title picture.

    Till is in London ahead of the UFC’s Fight Night event this weekend, headlined by a heavyweight matchup between Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov. During a recent Fan Q+A session, he pointed to the next likely welterweight title challenger to Kamaru Usman as the next British UFC champion.

    “Probably Leon, probably Leon right now,” Till said.

    Edwards has won nine straight fights, including most recently against Nate Diaz at UFC 263. He was supposed to face Jorge Masvidal at UFC 269 before Masvidal pulled out with an injury.

    Till was the headliner of the last UFC London card in early 2019 but went on to lose to Masvidal in a vicious knockout. He and Edwards shared some trash talk ahead of the event before Edwards earned a unanimous decision win over Gunnar Nelson.

    But now, Till and Edwards seem to be cordial with one another and Till has long advocated for a title shot for Edwards. UFC President Dana White recently confirmed that Edwards will fight for the belt later this year.

    Till Names Another Future UFC Champion From The UK

    Paddy Pimblett
    Paddy Pimblett

    Till was also asked about his fellow countryman, Paddy Pimblett, ahead of his lightweight return against Kazula Vargas at UFC London. Till gave his thoughts on when he thinks Pimblett could earn a lightweight title shot.

    “Two years, give or take,” Till answered. “He’s rising fast, he’s only had two fights. He’s killing it!”

    Pimblett passed his first UFC test with flying colors, earning a first-round knockout of Luigi Vendramini in his debut last September. He was one of the biggest additions to the UFC roster in 2021 following a decorated tenure in Cage Warriors.

    While Till isn’t afraid to give credit to his fellow UK fighters, he’s looking to get back on track with his next UFC outing. He’s been a targeted matchup for middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and is looking to get on another streak to earn another title opportunity.

    Do you agree with Darren Till’s predictions?

  • Usman To Edwards: You’re Right, I Won’t Strike With You, I’ll Only Wrestle

    UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has responded to Leon Edwards’ suggestion that he won’t be as willing to strike with the Englishman as he has been in recent fights.

    Since dethroning Tyron Woodley in 2019, Usman has successfully defended the title five times and established himself as a contender for GOAT status at 170 pounds. Having brushed aside two challenges apiece from Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal, as well as one from former teammate Gilbert Burns, the list of fresh contenders certainly thinning.

    And next up for the champ appears to be another rematch. Earlier this year, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Edwards is set to get his long-awaited title shot in the summer.

    The pair first collided in 2015, where Usman emerged victorious on the scorecards. Since that defeat, Edwards has gone unbeaten in 10 bouts, defeating the likes of Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Anjos, Donald Cerrone, and Vicente Luque.

    Given the Englishman’s development since their first meeting, many expect Usman to face a much tougher test when the two share the Octagon again.

    With that in mind, Edwards believes the champion will avoid exchanging on the feet and return to his wrestling roots for their rematch, which has been largely left in the back-pocket in his last three defenses.

    “He [Kamaru Usman] has definitely fell in love with his hands. He definitely believes in them,” Edwards told ESPN MMA. “He’s called out Canelo. He truly believes that he’s some sick striker so fair play to him, but I know that when we fight, I think he’ll be shooting for his takedowns. I don’t think it will be a striking match. I think it will be more wrestler versus striker match but I’m looking forward to it.” (h/t Sportskeeda)

    Usman Gives Edwards Something To Think About

    In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Usman responded to his next challenger’s comments. “The Nigerian Nightmare” suggested that if wrestling is what Edwards expects, he’s happy to oblige and “beat his face” on the canvas.

    Given his tone, it’s safe to assume Usman is happy for “Rocky” to underrate his striking ahead of their clash.

    “He said if I step in there with him, I won’t be striking the way that I am now. So I’ll oblige,” said Usman. “I give it to you. I will not strike. I am coming in to wrestle. I’m going to take him down, I’m going to beat on his face until he quits. So don’t expect me to strike—at all. I’m going to wrestle.

    “Don’t expect me to strike, Leon. Since I’m not a good striker, don’t expect me to strike. I’m coming to take him down, and I’m gonna beat his face in.”

    At UFC 261 last April, Usman brutally knocked out Masvidal in their rematch. In their first clash, “The Nigerian Nightmare” employed a wrestling-heavy approach. With that in mind, many have pointed out that Masvidal’s focus on defending any takedown attempts in their rematch may have left him open for the fight-ending shot up top.

    Given how that played out, Edwards would certainly be wise to take Usman’s comments with a pinch of salt.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CQyHQTnrADV/

    While his work with Trevor Wittman and impressive striking development means we’ll likely see Usman willing to trade with the Englishman, Edwards is certainly a different beast on the feet to the champ’s latest opponent.

    With that said, we can expect to see Usman mixing up his attack more so than he did when he shared the Octagon with Covington last November. But after seeing Edwards dazed from a late punch against Diaz last June, he’ll certainly fancy his chances of finding the KO shot.

    Do you think Kamaru Usman could hang with Leon Edwards in a five-round striking battle?

  • Dana White Confirms Leon Edwards Is Next For Kamaru Usman

    Leon Edwards’ wait for a world title shot appears to be coming to an end.

    Edwards had expected to be fighting for a world title a long time ago. Now, he has reached a point where he is unbeaten in 10 fights and yet was still booked in another non-title bout, this time in a grudge match against nemesis Jorge Masvidal.

    After Masvidal was forced to withdraw from that bout due to a rib injury, that left Edwards without an opponent. Edwards insisted that he would not fight again unless he receives a world title shot.

    History has shown that sitting out and waiting for a title shot can be a very risky play, especially as far as Edwards is concerned. Dana White has cautioned fighters against making such a move, with Edwards himself being among them at one point.

    In an interview with TSN this week, however, White relented and agreed that Edwards is deserving of a title shot and is next in line for UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.

    “100 percent,” White said when asked if Edwards was next in line for Usman. “That kid’s had a rough run. He deserves it. If you look at it, Colby lost to (Usman) twice, Gilbert lost, Leon’s next. He’s number three.”

    White also hinted that one of the reasons for granting Edwards the title shot is because of his willingness to do what he said no one else wanted to do last year: step up and fight Khamzat Chimaev.

    “We were in a matchmaking meeting on Tuesday and I’m always like, ‘Nobody wants to fight him, nobody wants to fight him,’” White said. “Leon Edwards signed the bout agreement to fight him and I think he was ranked number three at the time. So I wanted to make that clear, publicly. He absolutely wanted to fight him, signed the bout agreement and then Khamzat got COVID and that was the end of that.

    “I’m bringing it up for a reason because I said that and never gave that kid the credit he deserved. He said yes to it, signed the bout agreement, and was ready to roll.”

    Leon Edwards first faced Kamaru Usman long before Usman was champion, in a unanimous decision loss in December 2015. In his most recent fight, he defeated Nate Diaz at UFC 263 while Usman successfully defended his title in another rematch—against Colby Covington at UFC 268.

  • Leon Edwards Reacts To Covington/Masvidal UFC 272 Booking

    Leon Edwards had to add his two cents in when Covington vs. Masvidal was announced.

    Some big news was announced on Tuesday afternoon as UFC 272 had a new headliner. In a surprising twist, the event will now have a non-title fight featuring Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal as the main event. Fight fans all over the world began to express either their interest or disappointment in this match-up. Leon Edwards was the latter group.

    “2 bums coming off losses,” Edwards wrote on Twitter.

    Edwards, Masvidal, and Covington have all been circling the top of the welterweight division. There may have been a time in the past year that they were all rumored to be fighting one another.

    Edwards has been vocal about wanting a title shot, especially once Masvidal was forced out of their fight with an injury. Now with Masvidal and Covington locked up, that could mean Edwards finally gets the shot at Usman he has been wanting.

    Another reason this matchup is abnormal is, as Edwards pointed out, both men are coming off losses. This type of bout is not usually considered for a PPV main event, but the background between the two fighters and their growing animosity makes it a very compelling fight for most fans.

    Usman is coming off a win over Covington in November. Following that win, he stated that he would like to take some time off to spend with family. A return date has not been mentioned, but perhaps he could be ready to face Edwards in the summer.

    Do you like Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal as the non-title fight main event of UFC 272 in March?

  • Edwards Responds To “Deluded” Masvidal After Public Callout

    UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has responded to Jorge Masvidal’s claims that he can’t find an opponent for his return to the Octagon.

    Masvidal was originally booked to be in action earlier this month at UFC 269 against arch-rival Edwards. In a grudge match over two years in the making, “Rocky” was set for his chance to exact revenge on “Gamebred” for the pair’s famous backstage altercation at a UFC London event in 2019.

    A month prior to the year’s final pay-per-view, Masvidal withdrew due to an injury, later confirmed to MMA News by Colby Covington to be a rib issue. But the two-time welterweight title challenger is seemingly back to fitness and rallying for a fight, something he suggested is proving to be difficult.

    Masvidal slammed “bitches” like Edwards and Colby Covington for not wanting to sign contracts agreeing to face him. “Rocky” has already announced his intention to wait for a title shot following his failed clash with Masvidal. Covington, meanwhile, has made his desire to face Masvidal, his former friend and teammate, well known.

    Edwards Laughs Masvidal Off

    In the aftermath of Masvidal’s public callout and re-emergence onto the welterweight scene, Edwards took to Twitter to respond. In a short and simple post, the #3-ranked contender laughed his foe’s claims off, describing him as “deluded” in the process.

    “This motherfucker is deluded [LAUGH]”

    Back-and-forth between Edwards and Masvidal surrounding accusations of ducking a fight against the other existed for the best part of two years. When the pair finally had a bout booked, it seemed their score would be settled. With the cancelation and Edwards’ decision to set his sights back on Kamaru Usman, it appears we’re set for more social media and interview exchanges between the two instead.

    For Masvidal, his two most public options appear to be a clash of former friends with Covington or an unlikely crossover to the boxing ring to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. “The Problem Child’ has been making Masvidal offers since his second victory over Tyron Woodley this month.

    Would you like to see the Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal matchup revived? If not, who should “Gamebred” face in 2022?

  • Masvidal Calls on Paul, McGregor, Covington or Edwards to “Sign The Contract”

    Jorge Masvidal is no longer holding back and is calling out some potential opponents.

    Jorge Masvidal is gearing up for a fight. Although he doesn’t have one name in mind, he is now calling for a bunch of fighters to answer his call.

    Masvidal has taken to his Instagram to make a few call-outs while filming a video of himself skiing. In the post, he expresses his feeling about a few of the most popular fighters today and asks for them to sign a contract.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXzQiVqII-J/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6eed3bde-7f5e-4880-b089-9c23b7fbe793

    “I’m off the injury list and these little b—hes don’t want to sign the contract. The contracts have been handed,” Masvidal said (via Sportskeeda.) “It’s in their f—ing face, they know I’m off the injury list. I’m trying to get some paychecks, but in the meantime, since I can’t rip these b—hes up, I’m going to rip these mountains up.”

    Masvidal did have a fight lined up with Leon Edwards for Dec. 11; however, Masvidal was forced out of that fight after suffering from an injury. He claims he is healed up now and could entertain rescheduling with Edwards.

    Masvidal is one of the most wanted fighters on the UFC roster at this time. He seems to have his choice of multiple opponents. He named a few top prospects while on top of the mountain.

    “You little pu–ies got to blurt my name out, then actually sign the contract. From that little actress that works at Disney Channel [Jake Paul], forgot his name, he just fought. To the little b—h that sells cheap-a-s whiskey [Conor McGregor] to the fragile motherf—-er that’s always getting his face broken [Colby Covington] – all you little b—-hes can get it, man,” Masvidal said. “The one who’s in England that was talking s–t [Leon Edwards], you too, man. Come on, one of you sign the dotted line. Let’s go. Yes, I’m going to embarrass you and knock you the f–k out.”

    The most likely options from this bunch seem to be Covington and Edwards. As mentioned, Edwards had agreed to face Masvidal earlier this year and could very well agree to do so again, especially with champion Kamaru Usman asking for time off.

    Another possible scenario is Masvidal and Covington being paired together, perhaps even coaching opposite each other on a season of The Ultimate Fighter. This is something that they both have expressed interest in.

    Whichever option should come to light, fans will be happy to see Masvidal healed up and ready to get back to work.

    Who from this list would you like to see Jorge Masvidal face next?

  • Georges St-Pierre Explains Why He Thinks Edwards Was Denied Title Shot

    Georges St-Pierre has given his thoughts on the landscape of the UFC welterweight division.

    The state of the UFC welterweight division is far from black and white at the moment. A few different scenarios have been going around lately and with a few fighters injured things could be up in the air for a while longer. One man who ruled the top of the division some time ago has his thoughts on how things should play out, that man is Georges St-Pierre.

    St-Pierre is currently retired and has a unique view of the division from the outside. He feels that number one contender Leon Edwards should be next for the title shot. he explained his reasoning behind these thoughts in an interview with BT Sports.

    “He deserves the shot. It’s unfortunate for him [that he hasn’t had it yet]. I think it’s because of the way that the Nate Diaz fight ended,” St-Pierre said. “But it happens to everybody, sometimes you get clipped. You don’t see a punch coming, you zig when you should have zagged. He did the perfect fight until that moment.”

    Champion Kamaru Usman recently defeated Colby Covington, and will need some time off with family and to heal up. In the meantime, Edwards was scheduled to face Jorge Masvidal, but that fight fell through when Masvidal suffered an injury. This leaves Edwards in a tough place. He could very well wait until Usman is ready and then get that title shot, or he could fight someone else and possibly lose out.

    “He deserves a shot, you know. You’re in the fight business, at one point you’re going to take a shot and you might get rocked. He showed incredible heart and I think he is ready for a title shot,” St-Pierre said. “But the UFC runs a business, they make money. Of course, there’s a story with Leon and [Jorge] Masvidal and as a fan, I’m curious to see what was going to happen between them as well.”

    Dana White has said that he and the UFC are looking to make something happen for Edwards. He wasn’t specific but it could be another matchup for a title eliminator matchup. The timeline for Usman’s return was not specified, but Edwards has been known to sit out for long periods of time.

    Do you agree with GSP, should Leon Edwards just get the next title shot without another fight?

  • Dana White Has ‘Something’ In Mind For Leon Edwards

    Dana White reveals he might have an idea for Leon Edwards.

    The welterweight title picture seemed pretty clear for a bit. Kamaru Usman beat Colby Covington for the second time and Leon Edwards was going to fight Jorge Masvidal for the next contender spot. Although, now that Jorge Masvidal is injured, that could leave Edwards hanging in the balance. However, UFC president Dana White might have an idea up his sleeve.

    “JUST IN: Per Dana White, the UFC is currently ‘working on something’ for Leon Edwards following Jorge Masvidal’s withdrawal from their grudge match. Will be interesting to see what that is as White also said they won’t look to book champ Kamaru Usman until his hand is better.”

    According to MMA reporter Chisanga Malata, White has a plan for Edwards. However, with Usman out for an undisclosed amount of time, it could be interesting to see what is in store for him. He had been very adamant about only wanting a title shot even before he accepted the Masvidal fight. Now with Masvidal out, he has gone back to requiring the next title shot.

    Edwards has had ten fights in a row without a loss. He did have a no-contest thrown in there after an accidental eye poke on Belal Muhammad. Many believed his last win over Nate Diaz in June should have sealed the deal on a title shot.

    Possible opponents for Edwards could include Gilbert Burns, who has been asking for a shot at him but is reportedly in talks to fight Khamzat Chimaev. Vicente Luque has also been asking for a fight against Edwards. Or perhaps it could something completely out of the ballpark, like Nick Diaz. Either way, Edwards could refuse all offers and sit and wait for Usman after all.

    What do you want to see next for Leon Edwards?