It is often said that good things come to those who wait. Within the last tow years, Leon Edwards has been forced to test this theory, but it looks like it has been proven true yet again. During a recent media appearance, Dana White confirmed that Edwards would be next in line to challenge Kamaru Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship.
“That kid’s had a rough run and he deserves it,” White told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter last week.
“If you look at it, Colby lost to him twice, Gilbert lost, Leon’s next. He’s No. 3.”
Edwards has worked long and hard for this potential title shot. Over the last decade and change, he’s amassed a record of 19-3 with wins against Nate Diaz, Dominic Waters and Donald Cerrone. More recently, he’s won eight of his last nine fights. With that said, the man who handed him his last loss was Kamaru Usman in December 2015. Usman earned a unanimous decision victory in Orlando and went on to win the UFC Welterweight Championship four years later. Since then, he’s defended his title four times and established himself as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the UFC.
In their inevitable rematch, Edwards believe he’ll be able to right his wrongs and take home the title.
“Usman definitely fell in love with his hands,” Usman told ESPN in November.
“He definitely believes in them. He’s calling out [boxing world champion Canelo Alvarez]. He truly believes that he’s some sick striker. Fair play to him, but I know when we fight, he’ll be shooting for his takedowns. I don’t think it will be a striking match. I think it will be more wrestler versus striker. I’m looking forward to it.”
White has not provided a timetable or potential venue for the fight.
