![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200707122103/kamaru-usman-332019-getty-ftr_q0i69aaqie2i1l2h4se6uogws.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200707122103/kamaru-usman-332019-getty-ftr_q0i69aaqie2i1l2h4se6uogws.jpg?width=600)
Kamaru Usman proved himself to be a handful as he defeated Gilbert Burns at UFC 258 to retain his welterweight title. It was a showcase display from Usman, as he proved he is not just a clinch fighter. The bout showed that he has the game to shut the lights out on the best strikers in the division.
Fellow UFC fighters and fans across the world reacted to Usman’s triumph on social media. One of them was another top welterweight and the champion’s former rival, Leon Edwards. The Brit congratulated Usman and vowed to see the champ soon as he looks to get his rematch.
“Congrats to @USMAN84kg on his victory, see you soon,” wrote Edwards on Twitter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Congrats to @USMAN84kg on his victory, see you soon
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) February 14, 2021
The duo previously fought in 2015, where Usman managed to grind out a decision. Even though the fight was fairly even on the feet, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ used his superior wrestling and landed 6 takedowns on Edwards, which swayed the judges.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1156968513.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JULY 20: Leon Edwards of Jamaica reacts after defeating Rafael Dos Anjos of Brazil by unanimous decision 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)
Following that fight, Edwards has gone on an eight-fight win streak and is due a title shot. However, he hasn’t competed since his 2019 win over Rafael dos Anjos. This long inactivity can be concerning for the British contender who is expected to return soon.
Leon Edwards and his path to the UFC title
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Edwards is not too far away from getting his title shot. However, his inactivity is the prime reason why other contenders have leapfrogged him. A win over a top contender will undoubtedly give him that elusive title shot.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1131056017.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: (R-L) Leon Edwards of England kicks Gunnar Nelson of Iceland in their welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at The O2 Arena on March 16, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The UFC has scrapped the Edwards vs Khamzat Chimaev fight for now after 3 failed attempts. Jorge Masvidal would have been the perfect opponent for ‘Rocky’, but Usman calling out ‘Gamebred‘ will probably play a major factor in that not happening. So the UFC should book ‘Rocky’ against Colby ‘Chaos‘ Covington as it would be a banger.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Will Leon Edwards get to “see” Kamaru Usman in 2021? Who should he fight next?
Also Read: Five Surprising Facts About UFC Announcer Bruce Buffer
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT