Exciting times are ahead in the UFC welterweight division, with several potential contenders lining up to challenge Leon Edwards for the title. Jorge Masvidal, Khamzat Chimaev, Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Belal Muhammad are among the most deserving contenders who could challenge Edwards for the title. These fighters bring a variety of skills, fighting styles, and histories with Edwards, adding spice to the mix. Edwards’ victory over Kamaru Usman during the UFC 286 event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the welterweight division, with fresh and compelling opponents in the Top 15, making for exciting possibilities ahead.
Leon Edwards’ Victory at UFC 286 Signals Exciting Times Ahead in Welterweight Division
The recent victory of Leon Edwards against Kamaru Usman during the UFC 286 event last Saturday has sparked excitement in the welterweight division of the UFC. Edwards, who hails from England, defended the promotion’s welterweight belt against Nigerian-American fighter, Usman, and was declared the winner by majority decision after five rounds of thrilling and entertaining action in London.
Their match was a tiebreaker, following Edwards’ stunning fifth-round knockout of Usman last August, which ended Usman’s previous dominance as the champion. Usman previously won their first encounter by unanimous decision in 2015, making the Edwards-USman rivalry an intense one.
With Edwards emerging as the victor, the welterweight division can now look forward to new possibilities for matchups. Rematches are typical in this division, with the same fighters often facing each other repeatedly, but the outcome of this third fight should end that trend. There are several deserving fighters waiting to challenge Edwards for the title.
Top contenders include Kazakhstan’s Shavkat Rakhmonov and Chicago’s Belal Muhammad. Rakhmonov boasts a record of 17-0 as a pro and 5-0 in the UFC, with wins over top fighters such as Neil Magny and Geoff Neal. Muhammad is on an eight-fight streak with victories over several top fighters, including Edwards himself, whom he fought to a no-contest in their first attempt after an eye poke.
While Rakhmonov and Muhammad are the most deserving contenders, other fighters also have a chance to vie for the title. One of them is former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington, who despite going 0-2 in fights with Usman, remains one of the division’s top fighters. He was also present during the Edwards vs. Usman fight, taunting the fighters from Octagon-side.
With Edwards as the reigning welterweight champion, the future looks bright for the UFC welterweight division. His victory marks the beginning of a new chapter, where new fighters will have a chance to showcase their talents and prove their worth as a contender for the welterweight title.
Exciting Fighters Lining Up to Challenge Leon Edwards for Welterweight Title
There is no shortage of contenders vying for a chance to challenge Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight title. Several fighters have emerged as potential opponents, some of whom have a history with Edwards, adding more spice to the mix.
Jorge Masvidal is arguably Edwards’ greatest nemesis, following a backstage brawl at a UFC card in London in 2019. Although Masvidal is not in a position to call for a title shot, if he defeats Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 next month, he’ll be right back in contention.
Khamzat Chimaev is a rising star and undefeated as a pro, with most of his best wins occurring in the welterweight division. Despite his grotesque scale fail the last time he tried to make the welterweight limit, he is still in the conversation for a title shot.
Conor McGregor, with his massive star power, is always in the mix for a title shot at both lightweight and welterweight. His upcoming fight with Michael Chandler at 170 pounds later this year could put him in a good position for a shot at the welterweight title.
Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, also wants a piece of the welterweight king, expressing his interest in fighting Edwards next.
Other deserving contenders include Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad, who have proven their worth with their victories over top fighters in the UFC.
Edwards has a long list of potential opponents, and it seems that he will not face the same issue as his predecessor, Kamaru Usman, who did not have much variety in terms of opponents. Whether Edwards retains the title for another six months, a year, or a few years, there will always be fresh and compelling opponents in the welterweight Top 15, making for exciting times ahead in the division.
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