Good things could be coming Leon Edwards’ way in the near future.
The welterweight contender missed out on a big opportunity when his headlining bout with former UFC champion Tyron Woodley at UFC London in March was scratched due to the UK’s COVID-19 lockdown. Edwards (18-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) has remained on the sidelines since, because he’s unable to compete in the U.S. due to travel bans to Europe. Gilbert Burns, meanwhile, got the Woodley bout, which he won to become a top contender at welterweight.
Owner of an eight-fight winning streak, Edwards has been unable to lock a marquee fight that could push him to the next level. However, that may soon change for the Englishman.
“He’s definitely not the red-headed stepchild,” UFC president Dana White said in a recent interview with “Jackass” star Steve-O. “We were going to do that fight when the pandemic started. We were still going to go to London and do that fight, but the pandemic came and we were dealing with that bull(expletive). He’s definitely not the red-headed stepchild. We see him, he’s ranked No. 4 in the world and there’s some fun options for him.”
The UFC is scheduling events for their “Fight Island” concept, which was designed to avoid COVID-19 travel bans to the U.S. and give options to international fighters. The island — which location has yet to be disclosed — is supposed to be located outside the U.S., with events launching as soon as this later this month.
White didn’t give a specific name to be Edwards’ next opponent, but he did throw his name among in the conversation with the top players at 170 pounds.
“You got Colby Covington, you got Jorge Masvidal, you got Leon Edwards and now obviously you’ve got Gilbert Burns,” White said. “The reality is, we’re going to reach out tomorrow and say: Who wants the next fight? Who wants this fight? Who is ready to go? Who wants to fight Usman? If it’s Masvidal, Edwards or Burns.”
The UFC is looking for the next title challenger for champion Kamaru Usman. Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns have been two names linked to Usman, but no official decision has been made.
Dana White says Leon Edwards 'definitely not the red-headed stepchild,' primed for big fight
