Leon Edwards is hellbent on competing March 13 and has diverted his attention to one of the sport’s biggest stars.
After the headliner between Edwards (18-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) and Khamzat Chimaev fell through for the third time due to Chimaev’s lingering COVID-19 issues, Edwards has diverted his attention to Nate Diaz.
In a recent interview with UFC broadcast partner ESPN, Diaz (20-12 MMA, 15-10 UFC) hinted he’s ready to return, but had some stipulations on whom he’d like to fight next. He said he only wants to compete at 170 pounds and against a fighter coming off of a win.
Edwards, who’s won his past eight in a row, thinks he certainly fits the bill.
“Nate just dribbled for an hour about wanting to fight at 170 against winners… let’s see it then @NateDiaz209. 8 fight win streak and #3 in the world. Let’s go if you still think you’re a real one.”
Nate just dribbled for an hour about wanting to fight at 170 against winners… let’s see it then @NateDiaz209. 8 fight win streak and #3 in the world. Let’s go if you still think you’re a real one https://t.co/PUaPfwtRPQ
— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) February 12, 2021
After the news of Chimaev’s withdrawal came out, Stephen Thompson threw his name in the hat. But according to Tim Simpson, who manages both Edwards and Thompson, “Wonderboy” is still healing from hand injuries that will keep him sidelined until summertime.
If Edwards does end up making the walk in March, it will have been 20 months since he last competed – a win over Rafael dos Anjos in July 2019. A string of bad luck that includes fight cancellations and contracting COVID-19 himself have kept the streaking Brit on the sidelines. But Edwards is adamant on staying on the March 13 card.