Tag: leon edwards

Leon Edwards Rips ‘Fraud’ Jorge Masvidal After Bout Canceled

Leon EdwardsUFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has spoken out for the first time since Jorge Masvidal pulled out of their UFC 269 bout, and he isn’t happy. Edwards was supposed to finally settle his beef with Masvidal in the octagon in a three-round main card bout at UFC 269. But, it was reported earlier today that […]

Leon Edwards

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has spoken out for the first time since Jorge Masvidal pulled out of their UFC 269 bout, and he isn’t happy.

Edwards was supposed to finally settle his beef with Masvidal in the octagon in a three-round main card bout at UFC 269. But, it was reported earlier today that Masvidal won’t be able to compete due to an undisclosed injury.

It is unclear as to whether or not Edwards will remain on the UFC 269 card, but he sounds coy about what’s next for him. In a recent tweet, Edwards ripped Masvidal for pulling out of the fight while appearing to look ahead to a welterweight title shot against Kamaru Usman.

Jorge Masvidal Pulled Out of His Fight with Leon Edwards Due To an Undisclosed Injury

“Disappointed but honestly I knew this fraud didn’t want to fight me anyway,” Edwards said. “He was just a stop off on the way to the title. The goal remains the same. Much needed family time now. [Kamaru Usman], I will see you soon.”

Edwards is coming off of his UFC 263 win over Nate Diaz by unanimous decision. Fans were distraught upon hearing of Masvidal pulling out of the UFC 269 bout, after what many believed would be the ‘peoples’ main event’ of the card.

Masvidal was set to face Edwards after the two of them brawled backstage two years ago following a UFC London event. The two welterweights have gone back-and-forth in the media and on Twitter since that moment.

Masvidal and Edwards were looking forward to a potential No. 1 contender bout at UFC 269. Belal Muhammad, Khazmat Chimaev, and Gilbert Burns are just a few of the names who have made their interest known regarding a fight with Edwards on short notice.

What do you think should be next for Leon Edwards?

Jorge Masvidal Out Of UFC 269 Fight With Leon Edwards

Jorge MasvidalJorge Masvidal has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 269 fight with Leon Edwards due to an undisclosed injury. Brett Okamoto of ESPN broke the news of Masvida’s unfortunate injury earlier today. Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) vs. Leon Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) is off UFC 269 on Dec. 11, UFC’s Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell tells ESPN,” […]

Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 269 fight with Leon Edwards due to an undisclosed injury.

Brett Okamoto of ESPN broke the news of Masvida’s unfortunate injury earlier today.

Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) vs. Leon Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) is off UFC 269 on Dec. 11, UFC’s Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell tells ESPN,” Okamoto wrote on social media. “Undisclosed injury for Masvidal. No word yet on whether it will be rebooked or UFC will move on.”

‘Rocky’ established himself as one of the top contenders at 170lbs when he beat Nate Diaz over five rounds at UFC 263 to stretch his winning run to nine straight fights. Edwards will be keen to get an alternative opponent for UFC 269 or quickly reschedule his fight with Masvidal due to the fact he is just one fight away from a title shot.

The Englishman will also want the chance to settle his personal beef with Masvidal. In 2019, ‘Gamebred’ knocked out Darren Till at UFC London before landing a three-piece with the soda on Edwards backstage. A fight between the two appeared to be imminent but Masvidal until recently has distanced himself from a bout with Edwards. However, back-to-back losses to Usman meant ‘Street Jesus’ had some work to do to get back into the welterweight title picture. So, he accepted a fight with Edwards who is widely regarded as next in line for a shot at the champ.

Jorge Masvidal vs. Colby Covington next?

Masvidal’s withdrawal comes just a few days after his former teammate and friend, Colby Covington called him out. ‘Chaos’ suffered a unanimous decision defeat to ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ at UFC 268. Post-fight, Covington asked for a fight with Masvidal and even advised his bitter rival to pull out of his UFC 269 fight with Edwards. Coincidentally that has now happened, and we could finally see one of the biggest rivalries in MMA settle inside the Octagon.

Do you think the UFC will rebook Jorge Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards?

Kamaru Usman Thinks Leon Edwards Cost Himself A Title Shot After Fight With Nate Diaz 

Kamaru UsmanThe Welterweight champ Kamaru Usman thinks Leon Edwards shot himself in the foot by almost getting finished in the fifth round by Nate Diaz at UFC 263. ‘Rocky’ was dominant for most of the fight, but late in the fifth round, he got rocked with a straight left. Diaz took his time instead of trying […]

Kamaru Usman

The Welterweight champ Kamaru Usman thinks Leon Edwards shot himself in the foot by almost getting finished in the fifth round by Nate Diaz at UFC 263.

‘Rocky’ was dominant for most of the fight, but late in the fifth round, he got rocked with a straight left. Diaz took his time instead of trying to finish it, in the most Diaz way possible.

Edwards has been on an absolute tear beating almost all the other title challengers in the division. The “slip up” as Usman has stated, cost Edwards the title shot. Instead of Edwards fighting for the belt, Colby Covington will now be challenging for the belt in a rematch against Usman at UFC 268 on November 6.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ was very vocal about why he thought Edwards didn’t get the shot at the belt.

“Absolutely because that was an audition,” Usman said in an interview with Daniel Cormier. “You audition for me then I decide it’s you or that guy. Myself and the promotion, we’ll sit down and we’ll say, ‘I like this audition tape. Let’s go ahead and pick him next’ and he went out there and he was auditioning and for a while, he did OK, but then, all of a sudden, the 25th minute, you sh*t the bed. You can’t do that. So that’s what forced the promotion’s hand and my hand because this is business now. Someone has to keep it real with this guy. At the end of the day we know – let’s be honest here, we know this is a business. This is a partnership between us and the promotion. It’s a partnership, you got to give them something to work with. You gotta give them something to sell and they have thrown you bone after bone after bone. Let’s just be honest, based on that last performance, you can’t go out there and do that with Nate Diaz. You can’t do that.” (MMAJunkie)

Edwards is now slated to fight against his rival Jorge Masvidal. A win over Masvidal will ensure Edwards a title shot next against Usman, who handed Edwards his only loss he has had since 2015. Edwards has been tearing through the division and looks to extend his winning streak to 10 fights after his matchup against ‘Gamebred’.

Do you think Kamaru Usman has a point?

Usman Says Edwards, Not The UFC, Forced His Hand To Fight Covington

Kamaru Usman says it wasn’t the UFC that “forced his hand” to rematch Colby Covington but rather Leon “Rocky” Edwards. In two weeks’ time, fans will finally be treated to the highly anticipated rematch between UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. Covington claims that there is one reason and one reason only the […]

Continue Reading Usman Says Edwards, Not The UFC, Forced His Hand To Fight Covington at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman says it wasn’t the UFC that “forced his hand” to rematch Colby Covington but rather Leon “Rocky” Edwards.

In two weeks’ time, fans will finally be treated to the highly anticipated rematch between UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. Covington claims that there is one reason and one reason only the rematch was successfully booked: the UFC forced Usman to accept the fight. Had Usman refused, the UFC was prepared to strip him of the title, according to Covington.

Usman has since laughed off this claim and has made it clear that he would love nothing more than to relive the thrill he experienced in the first Covington fight two years ago. However, he has also been on record in stating that Covington needed to “show him something” and earn the rematch beyond one lone victory since their initial encounter.

Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington
Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, Credit: Getty Images

Based on his comments in a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, Usman seemed to have his eye on Leon Edwards as his next opponent. Unfortunately, Edwards continues to struggle to land that elusive title shot. The reigning champion shared his take as to why that is.

“Somebody has to keep it real with this guy,” Usman said of Edwards. “At the end of the day, let’s be honest here. We know this is a business. It’s a partnership between us and the promotion. It’s a partnership. You gotta give them something to work with. You gotta give them something to sell. And they have thrown you bone after bone after bone after bone. Let’s just be honest. Based on that last performance, you can’t go out there and do that with Nate Diaz. You can’t do that. You can’t do that,” Usman reiterated.

UFC 263: Leon Edwards’ Failed Audition Tape?

UFC 263: Nate Diaz being a legend vs Leon Edwards: Refuses fist bump, applauded being put on his ass and landing a Stockton slap
Credit: Getty Images

Leon Edwards was cruising to a victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 263, only for Diaz to rock his world in the final minute of the bout. According to Usman, this bout was an audition for Edwards to determine if he was suited to be the right “business partner” in a title match against him. Despite Edwards getting his hand raised, the champion feels that the audition was a total failure.

“You have to audition. These are all my sons. You have to audition for me now,” Usman said. “You audition for me, then I will decide if you are that guy. And myself and the promotion will sit down and we’ll say, ‘I like his audition tape. Let’s go ahead and pick him next.’ And he went out there and he was auditioning.

“For a while, he did OK. But then, all of a sudden, the 25th minute, you shit the bed. You can’t do that! You can’t do that. You can’t do that. So that’s what forced the promotion’s hand and my hand—because this is a business now—to say, ‘You know what? Let’s go have fun with this dance partner who’s gonna run his mouth. And of course, people believe that this guy has a chance.”

UFC 268 is indeed expected to do some big business from The Mecca, Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event takes place Saturday, November 6, 2021, with a rematch of one of the best fights in promotion history: Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington.

Do you agree with Kamaru Usman? Did Leon Edwards “fail his audition” in his UFC 263 victory over Nate Diaz?

Continue Reading Usman Says Edwards, Not The UFC, Forced His Hand To Fight Covington at MMA News.

Edwards Claims Masvidal Turned Down Five Rounds For UFC 269 Fight

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has claimed that bitter rival Jorge Masvidal turned down five rounds for their upcoming fight at UFC 269. In a matchup over two years in the making, Edwards and Masvidal will finally enter the Octagon together at the final UFC pay-per-view of 2021. The Englishman was last in action at […]

Continue Reading Edwards Claims Masvidal Turned Down Five Rounds For UFC 269 Fight at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has claimed that bitter rival Jorge Masvidal turned down five rounds for their upcoming fight at UFC 269.

In a matchup over two years in the making, Edwards and Masvidal will finally enter the Octagon together at the final UFC pay-per-view of 2021. The Englishman was last in action at UFC 263 in June. Despite extending his unbeatens streak to 10 with a unanimous decision victory over Nate Diaz, “Rocky” still found himself behind Colby Covington in the queue for a title shot, and was encouraged to remain active by UFC President Dana White.

Masvidal, meanwhile, will be entering the December 11 clash off the back of consecutive championship defeats to current welterweight king Kamaru Usman. After being controlled for five rounds in Abu Dhabi last Summer, “Gamebred” had a second crack at dethroning “The Nigerian Nightmare” at UFC 261 in April. Despite having a full camp, the Miami native was brutally knocked out in the second round. Masvidal will now look to move one step closer to a trilogy against Usman with an impressive performance against Edwards.

Despite the likes of Daniel Cormier advising him to wait for the title shot many believe he deserves, Edwards is seemingly happy to net the biggest pay check of his career, and in the process, finally get his hands on Masvidal.

The pair’s rivalry began after a backstage altercation at a UFC Fight Night event in London in 2019. After being interrupted by Edwards during an interview, the former title challenger bust the Jamaican-born Brit open with a fast combination. Edwards, who recently claimed the promotion had to hide Masvidal and fly him out of the country to avoid payback, told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour that he can’t wait to finally face the opponent he says he’s been pushing to fight for nearly three years.

“For me, they came with the right figures. We went back-and-forth for about two weeks. I was just trying to get the right situation that obviously best for me and my team. We ended up getting it done, you know, so I am looking forward to finally getting my hands on him, you know, it’s been, like i said, it’s been almost three years. I’ve been pushing for this fight for three years, and I’m looking forward to it.”

“Rocky” admitted that he was surprised Masvidal didn’t run away from the bout. However, he claimed the 36-year-old did run from one stipulation; a five-round fight.

“I thought he would’ve went running to be fair. Last three years, all he did was make excuses. I asked the UFC for a five-round fight with him. I think he turned around and said he wants three rounds, so that’s the reason we’re at three rounds now. Either way, a fight’s a fight. Put me in there against him and we’ll see the outcome.

“I haven’t fought three rounds now for a long time Ariel, I’m a championship fighter. My last five fights were probably all five rounds, so, I am looking forward to doing the three. I’ll be able to sprint at three, so, I am looking forward to it.”

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 269, Leon Edwards or Jorge Masvidal?

Continue Reading Edwards Claims Masvidal Turned Down Five Rounds For UFC 269 Fight at MMA News.

Masvidal Bashes Edwards: ‘This Guy Is Not Who He Says He Is At All’

There is certainly no love lost between Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards. After more than two years of buildup, stemming from a backstage scrap, Masvidal is finally set to face Edwards at UFC 269 on December 11th. Naturally, the two have been going back and forth since the fight has been announced and it has […]

Continue Reading Masvidal Bashes Edwards: ‘This Guy Is Not Who He Says He Is At All’ at MMA News.

There is certainly no love lost between Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards.

After more than two years of buildup, stemming from a backstage scrap, Masvidal is finally set to face Edwards at UFC 269 on December 11th. Naturally, the two have been going back and forth since the fight has been announced and it has certainly not let up.

Speaking on The MMA Hour, Masvidal absolutely tore into his upcoming opponent and his supposed tough upbringing in Birmingham, England. Here, the BMF champ questioned the validity of his life on the streets compared to the experiences that “Gamebred” himself had, stating that if this were the case, there would be a lot of things different in Edwards’s demeanor after the two had their infamous backstage altercation in 2019.

“I’m not going to diss Birmingham or nothing, but I don’t care where he comes from because where I come from, and how I grew up, that guy wouldn’t have lived one day in it. In the actual heat of the moment, he never would’ve survived. He just would have stayed home the whole time, waiting for his parents to get WIFI for him to develop social skills because this guy’s a coward,” Masvidal said.

“What he did to me in England showed me everything that I ever needed to know about this guy. He can say that he grew up in this or that place, but he didn’t. He comes from a place that’s not what he says. I’m telling you man, this guy is not who he says he is at all. Nobody that is like that, that comes from these places, acts like he does. He’s a coward and I”m going to say it to his face before and after I beat his ass.

Three-Piece & A Soda

“You’re talking all this crap and then when somebody gets in your face you’re like hesitant about it. Like, you know exactly what’s going to happen if you come from these places. You see I’m walking towards you and you’re walking towards me, and you’re going to say I assaulted you? That’s coward shit. He was saying assault and he originally wanted to call the cops on me, but what would’ve happened? That wouldn’t have looked good for his brand, and ‘I’m such a tough guy’ thing that he’s trying to proclaim. So that’s why he didn’t want to call the cops, but originally they wanted to press charges on me, when you started this altercation.”

While Jorge Masvidal maintains that this fight with Leon Edwards is not personal, it clearly appears that they do not like one another. Lucky for the fans, they will finally square off in the Octagon before the year is over.

Continue Reading Masvidal Bashes Edwards: ‘This Guy Is Not Who He Says He Is At All’ at MMA News.