Edwards defends the welterweight title against Belal Muhammad this July in England
No longer are Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington wrestling over the top spot in the division. Edwards has defeated them both–Usman twice–in his last three fights, effectively removing each of them from title contention. Altogether, Edwards has won his last 12 decisions, with the only slightLike Edwards, Muhammad continued winning, ripping off another five in a row after their no contest.
The top of the welterweight division is evolving. Leading the movement is Edwards, who can further cement himself as the most elite welterweight in the world if he can finish Muhammad.Can he extend the winning streak into 2024? Barboza fights the undefeated Lerone Murphy later tonight in the UFC Fight Night headline bout. But this is not a rising prospect taking on an aging veteran. While Barboza, 38, is closer to the end of his journey in the Octagon than he is to the beginning, Murphy is only six years younger–and far less tested.
“This isn’t about him or me being the first one to beat him,” said Barboza. “It’s about me. One more win puts me in title contention.”If Barboza does get his hand raised, it opens new possibilities for him in the featherweight division. Would be call out Aljamain Sterling? Or Arnold Allen? Or Movsar Evloev?A 15-year odyssey continues for Barboza with this main event bout. The future UFC Hall of Famer has flourished in the cage, even if he never intended to compete there.never interested me.
This marks Barboza’s first headline bout in nearly three years. It is an opportunity he does not intend to let slip away.Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UFC Fight Night Gorimbo vs Brahimaj Odds, Picks, and Predictions: 'The Answer' Prevails in Welterweight ShowdownGet Gorimbo vs Brahimaj predictions, picks, and odds for 5-18, plus UFC Fight Night fight prediction and best bet analysis.
Read more »
PFL 2024: Top storylines at welterweight and featherweightIs this Brendan Loughnane's year or will a new star emerge at featherweight this PFL season?
Read more »
Mario Barrios overcomes swollen eye, off night to defeat MaidanaSan Antonio welterweight retains WBC interim title with hard-fought victory over Fabian Maidana
Read more »
Mario Barrios wary of Maidana name in Cinco de Mayo matchupSan Antonio welterweight defends his WBC interim welterweight title vs. Fabian Maidana of Argentina on Saturday night in Las Vegas
Read more »
UFC 304 Main Event Confirmed? Jon Anik's Cryptic Tweet to Rumored Title Contender'See you there,' Anik sent to a perennial welterweight contender.
Read more »
UFC News: Joaquin Buckley Dominates St. Louis Co-Main Fight, Calls Out MMA LegendJoaquin Buckley is a problem at welterweight.
Read more »