Leon Edwards eventually wants to test himself in boxing. The former UFC welterweight champion is currently fixated on getting his belt back after losing it to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in July.
‘Rocky’ recently revealed that his immediate goal is to become a two-time champion by beating Muhammad or Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is next in line for a 170lb title shot after outpointing Ian Garry at UFC 310 on Saturday night. What happens after that? Leon Edwards says he could end up switching sports.
Edwards recently attended a boxing event in his hometown of Birmingham, England. After watching Galal Yafai beat Sunny Edwards in the main event, the 33-year-old MMA star expressed his desire to one day test himself inside the squared circle.
“I’ll be fighting in March in London at the O2 [Arena]. Headlining,” Edwards said. “I don’t know the opponent yet. I’ll get it in the next few weeks. My next aim is to get the belt back. You know, two-time world champion, that’s my aim. I’d love to [box]. After tonight, I’d love to. Like I said, my next aim is to be world champion again and then from there I’ll move on and see what’s next. Ask the coach, I am a good boxer as well. I’d love to one day test it out. Either Misfits Boxing or boxing. Why not?”
Edwards was pushed to name his ideal boxing opponent. After comparing his weight to that of the big boxing stars, he settled on Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez as a potential rival. He added, “What weight would I be in boxing? Super middleweight? What’s that, Canelo? I’ll go Canelo. Let’s go Canelo. All good.”
Edwards needs a big-name win to get himself back in title contention. Also, to headline UFC London he’ll need an opponent with a high profile. Muhammad and Rakhmonov can be ruled out as they are fighting each other. So can Kamaru Usman, as a fourth fight between them appears to be highly unlikely.
Jack Della Maddalena is expected to fight at UFC 312 in February, so he is also off the table as a potential dancing partner. Besides that, anyone in the top 10 makes sense. Sean Brady, Ian Garry, Gilbert Burns, or the winner of Colby Covington’s fight with Joaquin Buckley could headline the UFC’s next UK show.
Outside the rankings, a grudge match with Jorge Masvidal is the most appealing UFC London main event. Only time will tell who Dana White will match Leon Edwards up against.
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