What's next for Leon Edwards?

By Ryan Mullen

What’s in store for the Jamaican UFC star? (Image: Getty Images)

After a masterclass of striking and grappling against the loud-mouthed Colby Covington, the UK’s own Leon “Rocky” Edwards retains the Welterweight Title. Edwards became a hero in the hearts of fans after his shocking fifth-round upset knockout over former Champion Kamaru Usman. Edwards went on to defend the title, proving the KO wasn’t a fluke, and that he was able to defeat Usman in a fair fight. In his most recent fight, despite claims of him being emotional, Edwards proceeded to completely outclass the rank three, Covington. Stuffing every attempt at taking him down, dodging and blocking every shot, and even out-wrestling Covington - an NCAA All-American winner - at some points.

Edwards and Covington before facing off at UFC 296 (Image: Getty Images)

The Welterweight division is stacked with prospective opponents for Edwards, with great strikers like Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, and Gilbert Burns. There’s also an extremely dangerous up-and-comer, Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is on a whopping 18-fight win-streak, all coming by way of finish. Rakhmonov is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, gaining mass fan appeal in his time with the promotion. He’s beaten division veterans such as the previously mentioned Wonderboy, Geoff Neal and Neil Magny. Casual and veteran fans alike see the star appeal in Rakhmonov. With the kind of momentum that an 18-win finishing streak gives you, Rakhmonov is sure to cause some problems for the champion.

Despite coming off a loss, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is another fighter that people want to see come up against the champion. In his recent fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov, Wonderboy, despite his advanced age, was fully capable of standing and striking with him. Wonderboy would be a perfect mirror-match for the champion, both using a kicking-heavy offence in their striking. The fans love to see high-level striking exchanges, and with Thompson’s veteran status and technical ability, this would be exactly that.

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (Image: Getty Images)

The match that seems to be locked in for Edwards is second-ranked Welterweight contender Belal Muhammad. It may not be the fan-favourite matchup, but Belal is the necessary contender. He was the backup fighter for UFC 296 and weighed in in case either fighter did not make the weight. Muhammad has been on a five-fight win streak, winning decision after decision over high-level Welterweights like Vincente Luque and Sean Brady. He has earned a title shot against Edwards and is the right person to fight should the champion wish to solidify his status.

Muhammad and Burns faced off at UFC 288 with the American coming out on top (Image: Getty Images)

Everyone in the Welterweight top five could be a great fight for Edwards, especially the aggressive Gilbert Burns. He has held his spot near the top of the Welterweight ladder for nearly four years. Burns is known for his exceptional grappling and high-pressure striking offence. Burns is a well-loved fighter and is lined up to fight against Jack-Della Madalena, the 11th-ranked Welterweight in the promotion.