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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JULY 20: Leon Edwards of Jamaica stands in his corner prior to facing Rafael Dos Anjos in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at AT&T Center on July 20, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
via Getty
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JULY 20: Leon Edwards of Jamaica stands in his corner prior to facing Rafael Dos Anjos in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at AT&T Center on July 20, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The UFC President Dana White has revealed that the company is targeting a new date for the eagerly anticipated welterweight clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards. The duo was supposed to fight at the final UFC event of 2020; however, it fell through after the former tested positive for the coronavirus.
In an interview with TSN, UFC President Dana White revealed the new targeted date for the fight. He revealed that the plan was to have the bout headline the January 20 Fight card in Abu Dhabi.
Just finished up an interview with Dana White who tells me that the plan is to have Leon Edwards vs. Khamzat Chimaev headline the Wednesday, January 20th card, which is targeted to take place in Abu Dhabi.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 10, 2020
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Leon Edwards lost almost 12 pounds during his time with the virus and was unable to recover in time for the bout. ‘Rocky’ released a very heartfelt and positive statement on Twitter after the news of him withdrawing from the fight broke. The man received a lot of support from his supporters and fans.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 17: Leon Edwards of Jamaica rests in his corner after defeating Peter Sobotta of Poland by TKO in their welterweight bout inside The O2 Arena on March 17, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Edwards hasn’t competed since July 2019 when he took on and defeated Rafael dos Anjos with a decision at the end of 5 rounds. He will have had no fights in almost 18 months ahead of his bout against the dangerous ‘Borz’.
Khamzat Chimaev has had a brilliant run so far
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Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev has had a brilliant 2020. He broke onto the scene this year with 3 victories crammed in the span of just over 2 months. His initial two victories came in just 11 days apart from each other over John Phillips and Rhys McKee.
He once again returned to the octagon in September and knocked the lights off Gerald Meerschaert in a mere 17 seconds into the fight.
via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 19: Khamzat Chimaev of Chechnya celebrates after his knockout victory over Gerald Meerschaert in their middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on September 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Chimaev has been pushed into the international spotlight and has proved himself. He has gathered support and crafted a unique persona in absolutely no time. A win against Edwards will get him even more supporters. Furthermore, it will fast track him to a title shot.
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Setting their eyes on January 20, 2021, both these welterweight contenders will be looking for the win. What do you think will go down once these two fighters touch gloves?
