“I’m the only one that’s taking all these risks…I’m the only one that’s fighting and taking all these lower ranked guys”.
Leon Edwards wants to remind his critics that he is on one of the longest active win streaks (9) in the welterweight division and is ‘taking all these risks’ by fighting lower-ranked fighters such as Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal.
Edwards, 30, was criticized for initially turning down a fight against Masvidal which he later accepted despite feeling he should be next in line to fight the winner of Usman vs. Covington 2 for the welterweight title.
“I’m the only one that’s taking all these risks,” Edwards told Ariel Helwani during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour (h/t MMA Fighting). “Khamzat [Chimaev], Masvidal, [Nate] Diaz, I’m the only one that’s fighting and taking all these lower ranked guys. Like what the f*ck is going on?
“Like I said, it is what it is. I keep doing my thing. I keep making my moves, keep making my money and eventually I’ll be a world champion.”
Edwards believes he is ‘taking a step back’ by fighting ‘Gamebred’ but will hopefully — and finally — solidify himself as the No. 1 contender with a victory on Dec. 11.
“It’s a mad world. The MMA world is mad,” Edwards said. “I’ve come to realize that these people are crazy. I can’t sit and listen to it. I keep doing my thing and stay focused on the task at hand. You can’t pay too much attention to it. It will drive you mad.
“Some of the things I see on social media it’s like what’s going on? Everyone out there is tweeting and talking sh*t but I’m the only one that’s making moves. I’m the only one that’s putting it all on the line. I’ve grown into a title shot but I’m taking a back step, fighting No. 6 [ranked UFC fighter] in the world to then fight for a title. It’s all good. Let them talk.”
Edwards vs. Masvidal will take place at the upcoming UFC 269 PPV on December 11 at a TBA location.