UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards wants to forgo a summer title defense with eyes on Abu Dhabi in the fall.
He recently won back-to-back matches against Kamaru Usman but has been involved in a public dispute with UFC President Dana White over the next challenger. Despite White’s insistence that Colby Covington is next in line, Edwards is pushing to be on the Abu Dhabi card, which is expected to be a big financial success for the promotion.
The original designs were for Edwards to return at UFC 291 in London. While having Edwards on the card would be good for business, the move might further irritate UFC brass.
Edwards is steadfast in his refusal to fight Covington, and it is a decision many believe will cause the UFC to strip him of his title. Though Edwards’ reasons for turning down an inactive Covington in favor of other opponents are reasonable, the promotion thinks otherwise.
According to Edwards, he feels that the timing is wrong for him to return in July, though he’d gladly fight for the right price.
“Unless the stupid money comes I don’t see it, I’d literally have to get back in training camp next week… March to July I don’t think makes sense. In the last year or so I’ve fought three times I think, I’d love to fight now towards the end of the year. The Abu Dhabi card would be great. That would be perfect, I get time to nurse my injuries, I get time to get back into it, I feel like Abu Dhabi would be perfect.”
Welterweight champion Leon Edwards on fighting in Abu Dhabi.
Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington is perfect for Abu Dhabi
If Edwards gets his wish, he’s going to have to give in to the UFC’s demands and face Covington. Abu Dhabi is the perfect venue for these two to get it over with. As much as Edwards is trying to distance himself from the fight, it’s inevitable these two will be fighting in 2023.
Covington has been signed off by White as the next man up, and it’s going to happen. He’s even confirmed as much on his appearance on Submission Radio earlier in the week.
“Dana has assured me I’m fighting him this summer. I don’t know the location yet. We’ll have to wait to see from Dana and the big bosses at the UFC what they decide.”
It’s clear that Edwards is trying to maximize his profits as champion, but there doesn’t seem to be any route around it without involving Covington. It might just be better for all parties involved if they main event UFC 294 and put it behind them.
Covington has been signed off by White as the next man up, and it’s going to happen. He’s even confirmed as much on his appearance on Submission Radio earlier in the week.
“Dana has assured me I’m fighting him this summer. I don’t know the location yet. We’ll have to wait to see from Dana and the big bosses at the UFC what they decide.”
Colby Covington confirming the UFC is lining him up for a big fight.
It’s clear that Edwards is trying to maximize his profits as champion. However, there doesn’t seem to be any route around it without involving Covington. It might just be better for all parties involved if they main event UFC 294 and put it behind them.
