Defeat often comes with a side of untold stories, as is evident from Leon Edwards’ recent loss to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. Dave Lovell, Edwards’ coach, recently spilled the beans on some behind-the-scenes struggles. It turns out that the former welterweight champ was fighting more than just Muhammad in the octagon.
Lovell was recently interviewed on Submission Radio. He talked about the loss against Muhammad and the many injuries plaguing Edwards as he stepped into the Octagon. Lovell, however, isn’t playing the blame game here. He made sure to give credit where it was due.
“His back was niggling him, so he couldn’t wrestle the way he needed to, offensively and defensively, because of the niggle that recurred maybe two or three times…But not taking anything away from Belal’s performance. He did well. The best man won on the night,” said Lovell.
This nagging injury apparently put a wrench in Leon Edwards’ training plans. He couldn’t wrestle as effectively as needed. Unfortunately for Edwards, his UFC 304 fight was against a very unorthodox fighter with a wrestling-heavy style.
Edwards‘ loss was a tough pill to swallow. It snapped his impressive 13-fight unbeaten streak, dating back to 2015. That is nine years without ever facing defeat. He now has to work his way back up to title contention and take back what he lost.
Dave Lovell Reveals Leon Edwards’ Potential Next Opponent
Edwards, fresh off his UFC 304 defeat, is already plotting his return. His coach, Dave Lovell, has a spicy suggestion for his fighter’s next opponent: Ian Machado Garry. These two have a history, and it’s not all tea and crumpets.
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Garry used to train at Edwards’ gym, Team Renegade. But things went south fast. ‘The Future’ claims he was shown the door due to jealousy. Edwards, however, chalked it up to a “cultural mismatch.” Now, Lovell wants to settle this beef in the cage.
“I would like to see Leon fight Ian Garry. We can keep it British-based, either in Ireland or here. Given their past, it’s a compelling matchup. Garry may see Leon as a significant win to boost his title aspirations. For Leon, a victory over Garry could propel him back into title contention,” said Lovell via Submission Radio.
Lovell sees it as a win-win situation. For Garry, it’s a chance to climb the ranks. For Edwards, it’s an opportunity to bounce back and reclaim his title contender status. This fight comes after UFC CEO Dana White refused an immediate rematch to Edwards. Fight fans would have to wait and see if the UFC brass would be interested in this potential matchup.
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