UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards is aiming for Conor McGregor after he is done with Kamaru Usman. He would welcome McGregor to go against him but it won’t be an instant title clash.
Leon Edwards became the new welterweight champion in a dramatic fashion. ‘Rocky’ faced Kamaru Usman for the welterweight belt at UFC 278 last August. Edwards won via knock out in 5th round.
With such an upsetting victory, fans demanded an immediate rematch. The pair will exchange blows again in March at UFC 286, taking place in Edwards’ home country England.
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, the 31-year-old revealed his plan if he successfully defends his title against Usman.
“Probably easier. Knowing we are both are, you know, that negotiation. But, I think Conor hasn’t fought for what, like, 2 years? He had an injury so let him come back and win a fight at my weight [welterweight]. Because naturally he is a lightweight, right? I’m a welterweight. So let him come back and win a fight in my weight.” – Edwards explained.
When asked if he wants to face McGregor, Edwards implied that there is no special desire for McGregor, knowing that the MMA star will draw a high amount of PPV buys.
“I don’t need to fight him though. I will fight any man in the UFC.” Edwards answered.
Conor McGregor hasn’t appeared inside the octagon since June last year after he snapped his leg in an outing against Dustin Poirier. ‘The Notorious’ is now fully healed and his coach John Kavanagh confirmed that McGregor will return this year.
Despite the fact that McGregor looks massive, his coach John Kavanagh named Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje as likely opponents during his interview. Another option for McGregor appears to be Tony Ferguson who has been offered a TUF coaching stint opposite McGregor.
McGregor hasn’t won in years, but remains one of the key players on the UFC PPV market and the organization is definitely feeling it.