Leon Edwards
Leon Edwards Net Worth 2024, Record, Height, Family & More
Who is Leon Edwards?
UFC's welterweight fighter, Leon Edwards has proven to be a formidable opponent in the promotion. This English fighter holds a long winning streak and his win against Kamaru Usman pitches him against the best in his division. The current UFC welterweight title holder is also the current longest-tenured champion.
Leon Edwards’ Early Life
Leon Aaron Edwards was born on August 25, 1991, in Kingston, Jamaica, to Jamaican parents. He grew up in a hazardous neighborhood, where crimes were a constant occurrence. When he was nine years old, his family immigrated to the UK in search of a better life and settled in Aston, Birmingham, England. Edwards is currently a resident of Erdington, Birmingham, England, and holds British nationality.
Growing up, Edwards lived with his mother, whose profession and background are undisclosed, along with his younger brother and father. His father was known as 'The General' and was allegedly the leader of a local gang. However, when Edwards was 13 years old, his father was murdered over a money-related issue. The traumatic incident pushed Edwards into gang life, where he had possession of knives and got into fights.
By the time Leon was 17 years old, his mother was able to get him out of the gang life spiral by making him join an MMA gym. It was there that he found a new purpose and passion in life.
Leon Edwards’ Partner
Edward's life primarily revolves around MMA and fighting and not much is known about his personal life otherwise. Apart from his immediate kin, his relationship status is also under wraps! There is no documented proof available on any platform that can confirm Leon Edwards' marital status. However, it is known that he has a son named Jayon Edwards.
Leon Edwards’ Net Worth 2024
Leon Edwards has an estimated net worth of $3 million. This figure includes the earnings he made from his fights, endorsements, and sponsorships so far.
Edwards has earned a decent salary during his UFC tenure, with his pay increasing as he climbed up the rankings. Having said that, his highest payday so far came from his victory against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, which earned him the UFC Welterweight title. From that fight, Edwards earned $350,000 for the fight, including a $50,000 performance bonus.
For his last outing against Colby Covington, his base salary is estimated to be around $1,000,000, alongside an additional $1,000,000 for a win bonus.
It is clear that Edwards has been able to earn a comfortable living from his MMA career, and his success in the Octagon has helped to increase his net worth and profile both within and outside of the sport.
Leon Edwards’ Career Timeline
Leon Edwards made his professional MMA debut in 2011 and competed in regional UK-based promotions, where quickly established himself as a rising star. He won 8 out of his first 9 fights and captured titles in several promotions. And in 2014, he signed a contract with the UFC.
Edwards lost his debut match in Dana White's promotion. Despite the setback, the fighter bounced back and earned back-to-back victories.?His impressive performances led to him being ranked in the top ten of the UFC's welterweight division. However, Edwards' momentum was temporarily halted in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of his fight against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Edwards was then scheduled to fight Khamzat Chimaev, but the bout was canceled multiple times due to COVID-19-related issues. However, his most noteworthy UFC accomplishment is his welterweight championship victory over Kamaru Usman in a second bout.
It required seven years of patience on his part to exact revenge for 'Rocky's' last defeat against 'The Nigerian Nightmare' in 2015. Since then, his career in the UFC kept improving, but for the Englishman, obtaining the championship chance was a difficult task. Although he defeated some well-known rivals in the promotion, he was unable to secure the championship chance he so ardently desired. It wasn't until last year that he was offered the opportunity to compete for the title, and he duly lived up to the chance by winning the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 278.
Thereafter, he cemented his win at UFC 296 against Colby Covington. Today, Edwards remains one of the top fighters in the division with a record of 22 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws, and 1 no-contest. He is known for his well-rounded skills, with strong striking and grappling abilities, as well as his exceptional cardio and endurance.
Edwards' fighting style and record have earned him praise from fans and fellow fighters alike. His notable victories over high-ranked opponents, combined with his impressive work ethic and dedication to the sport, have solidified his place as one of the UK's most prominent MMA fighters.
Leon Edwards’ Partnerships and Endorsements
Leon Edwards has secured several lucrative endorsements throughout his MMA career. One of his major endorsements is with Iconic Menswear, a clothing brand that specializes in men's fashion. The English fighter is often spotted donning clothes from the brand during various events.
In addition to his deal with Iconic Menswear, Edwards has also inked a contract with Venum, a leading brand in combat sports equipment and apparel. Venum is renowned for its high-quality gear, which is favored by fighters across MMA, boxing, and kickboxing. Edwards proudly represents Venum as a brand ambassador, often sporting their gear during his training sessions and fights.
Another significant endorsement deal that Edwards has secured is with Monster Energy, a popular energy drink brand. Monster Energy sponsors several athletes in various sports, including MMA, and Edwards is one of their ambassadors. The brand's logo can often be seen on Edwards' fight gear and during his post-fight interviews.
Overall, Edwards' endorsements with Iconic Menswear, Venum, and Monster Energy have helped to increase his profile and visibility both within and outside of the MMA world. These endorsements have not only provided him with additional income but have also given him access to top-quality clothing and equipment, as well as exposure to a broader audience.
Leon Edwards’ Career Stats and Record
Edwards' current fight record stands at 22-3-0, 1 NC. Out of these, he has 14 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest in the UFC. In BAMMA, he has 5 wins. no losses, and no draws. At Fight UK MMA, he has 2 wins and 1 loss. Currently, he is on a 12-win streak, set to face Belal Muhammad for UFC 304.
Leon Edwards’ Major Achievements and Awards
Ultimate Fighting Championship
- First Jamaican-born champion in UFC history
- Performance of the Night (Two Times)
- UFC.com & Honors 2022 Knockout of the Year
- UFC Honors 2022 Comeback of the Year
MMAjunkie.com
- 2022 August Knockout of the Month vs. Kamaru Usman
ESPN
- 2022 Knockout of the Year vs. Kamaru Usman
Cageside Press
- 2022 Comeback of the Year vs. Kamaru Usman
- 2022 Knockout of the Year vs. Kamaru Usman, tied with Michael Chandler
Violent Money TV
- VMTV UK MMA Knockout of the Year 2022 vs. Kamaru Usman at UFC 278
- VMTV UK MMA Male Fighter of the Year 2023
World MMA Awards
- 2023 Charles 'Mask' Lewis Fighter of the Year
- 2023 International Fighter of the Year
- 2023 Knockout of the Year vs. Kamaru Usman at UFC 278
- 2023 Comeback of the Year vs. Kamaru Usman at UFC 278
Leon Edwards’ Charity and Foundation
Leon Edwards has been associated with the UK-based charity OnSide since 2021. He has actively supported the charity's mission to provide safe spaces for young people in the UK to engage in positive activities and receive support and guidance from trained professionals. Edwards has participated in various MMA-focused programs and campaigns for OnSide and has also visited several of their youth centers to interact with the young people and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
Talking about his association with OnSide, Edwards said [per Mirror], "As soon as I mentioned it to the UFC they were fully involved and wanted to put money in it straight away," he said. "I'm very happy to finally come and see the kids work after Covid. Without youth clubs, that's why there?s spike in crime as kids have nothing to but hang out on the streets with their friends."
"For kids, you're like a blueprint to show you can achieve stuff. It's easy to go the hood and be like don't do this, don't do that, look at this but you can't resonate with that person. So for someone like me that I've been there and lived it, I can be the blueprint."
Leon Edwards’ Titles
UFC Welterweight Championship
Current Welterweight champion- Two successful title defenses,
BAMMA RDX Welterweight Championship
One successful title defense
Leon Edwards’ Social Media Accounts
https://www.instagram.com/leonedwardsmma/ | |
https://x.com/leon_edwardsmma?lang=en | |
https://www.facebook.com/LeonEdwardsMMA/ | |
Website | NA |
Personal Information: | |
Full Name | Leon Aaron Edwards |
Popular Name | Rocky |
Date Of Birth | 25 August 1991 |
Birth Place | Kingston, Jamaica |
Age | 32 |
Height | 6 ft 0 in |
Weight | 170 lbs |
Parents | NA |
Siblings | Fabian Edwards |
Nationality | England |
Ethnicity | English |
Net Worth | $2 million |
Salary | $1,000,000 |
Spouse | NA |
Relationship/Marital Status | NA |
Children | Jayon Edwards |
Profession | MMA Fighter |
Team | NA |
Titles | Current UFC Welterweight Champion |