Two Top Welterweights Ready to Replace Jorge Masvidal at UFC 269

Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal is not happening. Initially scheduled to take place at UFC 269, the rivals won’t fight as ‘Gamebred’ withdrew because of an injury.

The collision between the two was one of the most anticipated fights of the year. There is genuine animosity between them, and the fans would have loved to see them go after each other inside the octagon.

The rivalry between the two started way back at UFC Fight Night 147. During a post-fight interview at the event, Edwards made a comment towards Masvidal, which he didn’t take lightly. ‘Gamebred’ confronted him and landed three strikes, which cut ‘Rocky’ under the left eye as well.

Since the news of Masvidal pulling out of the fight has broken, several fighters are looking to fill in for him. As fighting Leon Edwards and beating him would mean a guaranteed title shot, nobody wants to let an opportunity like that go by.

Khamzat Chimaev and Belal Muhammad want a piece of Leon Edwards

Leon Edwards, the number 3 ranked welterweight in the UFC, is on a 10 fight undefeated streak. According to many, he should’ve been fighting for the title. Given the situation at the top, he was booked to fight Jorge Masvidal. A win against the BMF would’ve meant a title shot for ‘Rocky‘, but that fight isn’t happening anymore.

Masvidal pulling out of the fight has opened the door for a lot of potential matchups for Edwards.

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UFC’s latest sensation, and newest member of the welterweight top 10, Khamzat Chimaev wants to be on the card. Ever since his dominating win at UFC 267 against Li Jingliang, he has been looking for a fight. He has called out the likes of Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal and has put everybody on notice.

‘Borz‘ now wants to fight Edwards. The two were booked to fight multiple times before, but because of Chimaev suffering from prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, that fight never took place.

He took to Twitter and said, “Let’s go bro we do it @Leon_edwardsmma.”

Another fighter gunning for a spot at UFC 269 is Belal Muhammad. ‘Bully B’ is the number 9 ranked welterweight and is currently undefeated in his last six fights. He and Edwards actually fought at UFC Fight Night 187, but the fight was declared a no-contest after an accidental eye poke left Muhammad unable to continue.

It was a close fight until the eye poke and many wanted a rematch, but Edwards went on to fight Nate Diaz. After the Masvidal news, he said, “Took it on 2 weeks last time give me 4 this time I’m ready.”

It is not surprising fighters want to fight Edwards, but he doesn’t seem to be interested in any other fight except for the title. It will be interesting to see what the UFC does about the situation.

What do you think of the whole situation? Should Edwards challenge for the title instead of fighting anyone else? Let us know your thoughts!