“Go and Throw That BMF Title in the Bin”- Leon Edwards Calls Out Kamaru Usman After UFC 251

The fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal is in the books. Therefore, several contenders in the welterweight division are looking to become the next challenger for the champ. Dana White has already named Gilbert Burns for Usman’s next title defense. However, fellow contender Leon Edwards believes it’s his time for a shot at the 170-pound gold.

Leon Edwards was one of the choices for being one half of the UFC 251 headliner. However, due to the complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, Edwards couldn’t train properly. Hence, he refused to take the fight. After this, the UFC decided to go ahead with Gilbert Burns. Eventually, it was Jorge Masvidal who faced Usman as Burns tested positive for COVID-19.

Leon Edwards is riding an eight-fight win streak. The No 4 ranked welterweight feels his time has come, but the situation was just not right. Hence, he took to Twitter to argue about his shot at the title.

Leon Edwards wants Tyron Woodley to be added to his win streak

The fight with Kamaru Usman isn’t the first one that slipped away from Leon Edwards due to the ongoing pandemic. The UFC had booked him against former champ Tyron Woodley for UFC Fight Night in London in March earlier this year. The card was one of the few events that the UFC scrapped entirely owing to the outbreak of Coronavirus.

Tyron Woodley instead faced Gilbert Burns and played a part in increasing Burns’ popularity and stock. Edwards is pretty confident that he would have beaten Woodley. Moreover, the Birmingham based fighter thinks he is ahead of Burns in the line for a title shot.

Leon Edwards has racked up wins over quality competition. However, he is yet to have statement-making victories like Burns who had back-to-back wins against Demian Maia and Tyron Woodley within the span of a few months.

The biggest name in Edwards’ eight-fight win streak is that of Rafael dos Anjos. Interestingly, Edwards’ last setback came against the champ Kamaru Usman in 2015.

Given the state of the welterweight division, multiple names can be brought up in title contention. However, judging by the inclination of Dana White towards Burns, he seems to be the safe bet for becoming the next challenger.