Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
It looks like streaking UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards will get the next shot at 170-pound gold if he’s able to take out former division champion Tyron Woodley this March.
Edwards, who inked a new financially-pleasing UFC contract earlier this week, is scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night 171 opposite “Chosen One” on Mar. 21 live on ESPN+ from London, England. It is by far the biggest fight of Edwards’ career and a true test as to whether or not the English fighter is ready for a title shot.
Luckily, Edwards is expecting to earn the right to prove himself in a championship fight with a win over Woodley. According to “Rocky,” who recently spoke with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter (shown below), his new UFC contract guarantees him a welterweight title shot with a win at UFC London.
According to @Leon_edwardsmma, his new contract states that he will earn a welterweight title shot if he defeats Tyron Woodley on March 21 in London.
Full interview: https://t.co/R6vgFWQFEW pic.twitter.com/d1DiPBJ4ig
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 23, 2020
“I think Usman is injured at the moment they’re saying, so if we can fight in March and he’s still free before summer, I think I’ll be the next in line. That’s what written in my contract, that I’ll be the next in line,” Edwards said.
“After beating Tyron Woodley, I will receive a title shot next. After beating him, I’m guaranteed next in line.”
While it’s nice to finally see Edwards get the recognition he deserves after winning his last eight bouts inside of the Octagon, fight fans know all too well how these “guaranteed title shots” usually play out. With guys like Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and even Conor McGregor roaming the ranks at 170 pounds, UFC could always opt to bypass Edwards and go with a sexier matchup.
At this point, nothing is guaranteed for “Rocky.” But if he wants to put himself in a position to lobby for his first ever UFC title shot he must take out Woodley this March and leave no doubt.
For more UFC London fight card news click here.