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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)
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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)
Leon Edwards is finally coming back to the Octagon after more than 600 days. He last fought in July 2019, and ever since then, the fights just failed to materialize.
He was set to fight Khamzat Chimaev, and the fight was booked thrice, but it got canceled every time due to health issues. However, this turned out well for the Brit as he is now facing Belal Muhammad this Saturday at UFC Vegas 21 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He was asked about his thoughts on the fact that Dana White promised him a title shot if he puts in a spectacular performance. He said that Dana’s words meant a lot to him but also added, “I’m focused a 100% on Belal Muhammad.
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“I’m treating this weekend as my title fight, I had a long time off, I haven’t fought for over a year, so I’m focusing on Belal. After this Saturday, I’ll look towards that, talk to the UFC, talk to Dana White and we’ll go from there.”
Leon Edwards on waiting for a title shot
A reporter asked him if he was willing to wait for a title shot as Kamaru Usman might fight Jorge Masvidal sometime in the summer. There are talks of UFC planning this fight for September and making Usman and Masvidal the coaches for the Ultimate Fighter.
“I won’t wait for another year and a half. After this Saturday, I’ll talk to the UFC, and we’ll go from there, but I’m not looking to wait another year and a half,” Leon answered.
It is understandable considering his stock did fall due to his inactivity, and while a win-streak of 9 would guarantee a title shot for anyone, he was overlooked.
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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JULY 20: Leon Edwards of Jamaica reacts after defeating Rafael Dos Anjos of Brazil by unanimous decision in their welterweight bout 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)
His last fight was against Rafael dos Anjos. He put in a dominant display and won the fight via unanimous decision. His fight against Belal Muhammad has incredibly high stakes as a loss for Edwards could very well derail all his momentum.
On the other hand, a win for Belal would cement his spot among the welterweight elite. He has called for a title shot as well. If he wins this fight, there is a chance that he might get it.
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Expect a good main event for an excellent card this Saturday, and whatever you do, don’t look away.
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