UFC President Dana White says that Usman vs Edwards 2 is the next fight for the welterweight title.
The UFC head honcho made his latest proclamation during a Thursday conversation with TSN. Explaining that Leon Edwards (19-3) deserves a chance at division gold and that it is the most sensible option next for champion Kamaru Usman (20-1) considering his recent victories over the top stars in the division rankings.
Usman vs Edwards 2 next says Dana White
“That kid’s had a rough run and he deserves it,” White said [h/t MMAJunkie]. “If you look at it, Colby [Covington] lost to him [Usman] twice. Gilbert [Burns] lost. Leon’s next. He’s No. 3.”
The Englishman is currently ranked third in the UFC and MixedMartialArts.com welterweight rankings. He is unbeaten in his last ten fights, with the last being a mostly dominant victory over fan-favorite Nate Diaz at UFC 263 in June. A matchup with Usman would be a rematch of the pairs UFC on FOX 17 bout more than six years ago. “The Nigerian Nightmare” won the fight by unanimous decision and it was the last time “Rocky” lost in the Octagon.
Both fighters are far different and far better than they were in 2015. The champ is also currently on a 19 fight win streak — 15 of those in the UFC — and has defended his title five straight times. Beating Covington and Jorge Masvidal twice each, and Burns.
An event, date, and location are not yet set for the next welterweight championship fight, but with main events already scheduled up to April’s pay-per-view event, the bout is likely to take place at some point following UFC 273.
Who ya go in an eventual Usman vs Edwards scrap?
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