“He’s been training, but it’s gotten to the point where I think he’ll either take a big name for the sake of taking a big name, or a top opponent,” said Fabian. Leon Edwards is a Jamaican-British mixed martial artist currently competing as a Welterweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. Photo: Instagram Leon Edwards didn’t think it would be easy to earn a UFC title shot, but he didn’t expect it to be so difficult, either. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Edwards began his professional fighting career in 2010, making his debut as an amateur at Bushido Challenge 2. UFC 253 preview video: Who will leave the event as champions? “You can’t even put it into words, to be honest,” he said. Unfiltered Episode 309: Alexander Hernandez, Leon Edwards & UFC San Antonio Preview Leon Edwards in training. A professional competitor since 2011, he formerly competed for BAMMA, where he was the Welterweight Champion. Leon’s eight-fight winning streak includes victories over the likes of Vicente Luque, Donald Cerrone, Gunnar Nelson and, most recently, former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. Leon Edwards official Sherdog mixed martial arts stats, photos, videos, breaking news, and … But the arrival of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic pumped the brakes on those hopes, and now Edwards is just looking at getting back into the cage against a notable opponent. “It’s very tough at the moment, but me and the rest of the coaches are stressing to him you have to use this time to level up and come back a better fighter and a stronger fighter.”. Welterweight contender Leon Edwards is riding an eight-fight win streak at 170 pounds and hasn’t lost a fight since his decision defeat to current champion Kamaru Usman back in December 2015. Leon, grew up in Birmingham, England but is originally from Kingston, Jamaica. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, Transgender man's dream of joining U.S. military thwarted for now, The best drive-thru restaurants in the USA. When it’s been taken out of your control you can’t actually do anything. Leon Edwards will return better than ever after 'frustrating' UFC hiatus, vows brother Fabian. While the UFC moves ahead with its fight schedule and contenders vie for position in each weight class, one man has found himself on the outside, looking in. Unfiltered Episode 309: Alexander Hernandez, Leon Edwards & UFC San Antonio Preview It’s just a frustrating situation.”, Costello van Steenis sees win over Fabian Edwards as passport to John Salter rematch, UFC 253's L'udovit Klein proud to be promotion's first Slovak fighter, Stipe Miocic training partner Aleksa Camur aims to make impact at UFC 253, Full fight card announced for Bellator 247 in Milan. Since then, while his rivals have returned to action, he hasn’t been able to get a fight booked. You just have to just adapt, and that’s what he’s doing. He started training mixed martial arts when he was 16. As of July 14, 2020, he is #3 in the UFC welterweight rankings. His nickname, Rocky, was given to … Edwards’ form has him right in the mix at the sharp end of the UFC’s 170-pound division, but while his top contender colleagues have been getting fights, the Brit has been stuck on the sidelines, with travel restrictions due to COVID-19 forcing him out of a fight with Tyron Woodley in March. He’s adapting and he’s working hard. Given his lengthy streak, plus a ready-made rematch narrative with the current champion, hopes were high that Edwards might be able to challenge for the welterweight title in 2020. Welterweight contender Leon Edwards is riding an eight-fight win streak at 170 pounds and hasn’t lost a fight since his decision defeat to current champion Kamaru Usman back in December 2015. Holly Holm Reflects on Highs and Lows of UFC Career | Full Interview “You have to stay positive, because there’s nothing you can actually do. It’s been a tough time for Edwards (18-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC), as his brother, Bellator middleweight Fabian Edwards, explained to MMA Junkie the frustrating nature of the last few months.