The landmark UFC 300 event came and went, with welterweight champion Leon Edwards sidelined until this Saturday.
With a satisfying victory over Colby Covington in the rear view, Leon Edwards had designs on fitting three title fights into 2024., just weeks removed from his decision victory that capped the promotion’s 2023 calendar, in native Birmingham, England that he would defend his belt at UFC 300 in April.
“I said his name to the UFC. I actually said to the UFC: ‘What about Belal?’ They said he’s not a big enough name to headline UFC 300,” Edwards said, laughing through his recollection of the UFC’s response. “And I was like, fair enough. That’s the reason why we’re here now in Manchester.”“I feel like he’s definitely not a big enough star to headline 300,” he says.
But an incidental eye poke by Edwards — who would not become champion until his thrilling fifth-round head kick dethroned Kamaru Usman the following August — prevented Muhammad from being able to continue.“Everyone’s seen the way the first round went,” said Edwards when prompted about how useful the first meeting was for preparing for the second. “… I also remember how slow he was in there and just how he felt in the clinch. I can’t take away from that.
“He’s definitely improved since then,” Edwards conceded. “But I feel like I’m just the better all-around mixed martial artist than him. I’m more athletic than him.” But Edwards happens to be a veteran of this scenario, having competed eight years ago in Manchester when UFC 204 also went off at an ungodly hour for the Brits.
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