After two consecutive wins over Kamaru Usman and one over Colby Covington, Leon Edwards is comfortably the best welterweight in the UFC. However, his top spot is under constant threats from various other stars.
Khamzat Chimaev, a natural middleweight, has also competed at 170 lbs and has been eyeing the gold for a long time. Meanwhile, Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has also desired to move up to 170 lbs and change Leon Edwards with an aim to become the double champion.
It’s hard to predict who would get the welterweight title shot next. Belal Muhammad should rightly get a chance. However, Islam Makhachev can also slide into the tale. That said, featherweight fighter Bo Nikal gave his views on who can outwork Leon Edwards.
He credited Islam Makhachev as a ‘tough’ opponent for ‘Rocky’ but seemed more confident about ‘Borz’ Khamzat Chimaev.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Nickal said, “If Khamzat goes back down, that’s a freaking tough fight for him. Islam would be a tough fight for him, as well, but I think that’s really competitive.
“I feel like Khamzat comes down, he would probably beat him up. But Islam coming up, even though he’s a big 55’er, Leon’s big. Leon can freaking strike. Colby was able to hold him down a good amount, so who knows? And Leon’s smart, he keeps his cool so, I don’t know.”
“And Islam, he’s not 100 percent grappler. He tries to strike a lot with all the guys he’s fought pretty much.”
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When Can Leon Edwards Fight Next?
Leon Edwards had a stunning performance at UFC 296 against ‘Chaos’ Colby Covington. He domiated Covington throughout the bout and won comfortably on the decision. It was quite clear that Leon Edwards was the superior man inside the cage. He didn’t take much damage and looks likely to be able to return soon.
The Briton has expressed his desire to headline a card at the Wembley Stadium, which he wanted Tom Aspinall to co-headline. With Aspinall donning the Interim heavyweight strap and Edwards posessing the undisputed welterweight strap, UK currently has two champions. Hence, UFC is expected to visit Europe again in 2024. Besides, Leon Edwards has also seemed ready to defend his title in April at UFC 300. So, ‘Rocky’ mgt be in action shortly.