The Welterweight division in the UFC is one of the most stacked ones in the company. Leon Edwards is currently the champion at 170 lbs. Edwards knocked out Kamru Usman to claim the UFC gold at Welterweight. He went on to beat Usman again and then Welterweight ace Colby Covington. His next opponent is still undecided in the octagon. In this write-up, we look at all the plausible contenders Leon can take on for his third title defense.
Leon Edwards has displayed his versatility in his title fights. He is an elite striker and holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here are the possible fighters who can take on Leon next.
1. Belal Muhammad vs. Leon Edwards
Belal Muhammad is the most likely opponent for Leon next. He has beaten almost every major contender in the company. Belal is currently on a five-fight winning streak and a ten-fight undefeated streak in the company. Muhammad has called out Leon several times and even accused him of ducking him. Belal and Leon fought each other a couple of years back, but the fight was declared no contest after Belal got poked in the eye. It’ll be interesting to see if Belal fights Leon for his third title defense.
2. Shavkat Rakhmanov
Leon Edwards was reportedly offered to fight against Shavkat Rakhmanov in February. Edwards accepted the about, but the fight did not go through because Ramadan was around the corner, and Shavkat, having an Islamic background, opted out. Rakhmanov has shown he is one of the most lethal fighters in the company. He finished Geoff Neal after three rounds of war. Rakhmanov is one of the most versatile fighters in the division.
3. Ian Garry
Ian Garry is one of the best contenders in the company. Garry and Leon fought under the same coach earlier on. Ian is now on an impressive win streak and is undefeated in his career. Ian Garry last fought Geoff Neal and won an impressive fight after the round three ended in the UFC.
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