Leon Edwards: UFC denied me as backup for Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz at UFC 244

Leon Edwards won’t be stepping in for Nate Diaz should the UFC need a replacement against Jorge Masvidal in the UFC 244 main event.

After Diaz (19-11 MMA, 15-9 UFC) released a shocking statement on Thursday about a potential U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) violation ahead of his UFC 244 bout with Masvidal (34-13 MMA, 11-6 UFC), a report surfaced that Edwards had been positioned by UFC to serve as a standby, should anyone be forced out of the fight.

Although Diaz has yet to be officially removed from the contest, Edwards (18-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) took to social media on Friday to clarify any discussions about him stepping in. He said that although he offered to prepare for the date, the UFC didn’t want it.

The Brit won’t be competing at UFC 244, but would be ready to compete at UFC 245 in Dec. 14, should he be needed of something happen to the scheduled welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington (via Twitter):

Bad news Regarding Nate, I did offer when the fight was made to stay ready but the UFC unfortunately said no. So I won’t be making the trip to NYC. But I will be ready for December 14th

Edwards is currently riding an eight-fight win streak and has long been campaigning for a title shot at 170 pounds. With no fight currently booked, he has expressed interest in fighting the likes of former UFC champ Tyron Woodley, but was quickly shut down by “The Chosen One”.

Now Edwards waits to see his next move, but it won’t come at UFC 244, which takes place Nov. 2 at Madison Square Garden in New YOrk.