The fighting world is Leon Edwards’ oyster after the former welterweight champ revealed the UFC’s plans to have him headline UFC London on March 22, 2025.
‘Rocky’ maintains a position of leverage as a former champion with one of the most replayed championship knockouts in combat sports history. It only begs the question: Is he getting a title eliminator opportunity, or will the UFC build another fighter’s stock using his name?
All Possible Matchups for Leon Edwards at UFC London
Unlikely: Loser of Rakhmonov vs. Garry
Two of the welterweight elite fight this weekend at UFC 310 in Shavkat Rakhmnonov and Ian Garry. The loser may fight Edwards in March. Rakhmonov averages an eight to nine-month turnaround, which leaves him out of the question, but Garry is more active and would garner more interest as an Irish fighter.
Most Likely: Ranked Contenders Jack Della Maddalena or Sean Brady
Maddalena and Brady are tied-fourth in the welterweight rankings, which makes them the most likely contenders for an Edwards matchup. ‘JDM’ would be the most fan-friendly matchup and probably the most likely fighter for the UFC to push, seeing as Brady has a less-entertaining style and was TKO’d by current champ Belal Muhammad just two fights ago.
Unlikely: Rematch with Kamaru Usman or Colby Covington
The rivalry between Edwards and Usman has likely run its course and wouldn’t require a tetralogy. Covington is booked to fight Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa in December and isn’t active enough to make the quick turnaround; his fight with Edwards hardly justifies a rematch.
Wild Card: Carlos Prates
According to CEO Dana White, the UFC has big plans for Carlos Prates. ‘The Nightmare’ was reportedly offered to Rakhmonov for his fight at UFC 310, a title eliminator. The only thing that prevented that fight was a foot injury for Prates, which he was willing to fight with. So, it’s reasonable that Prates is lined up for a live-crowd Fight Night main event with Edwards as a potential eliminator fight.
Super Wild Card: Jorge Masvidal
Is it time for the UFC to cash in on the Masvidal-Edwards feud? Their backstage interaction at UFC London 2019 spawned the viral ‘Three piece and a soda’ meme that launched Masvidal’s profile into the stratosphere, alongside his knockout over Darren Till.
Masvidal has hinted at his return to the UFC, and a fight with Edwards would be a great cash grab for the casual fans in London.
Who would you like Edwards to fight at UFC London? Comment below!
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