Belal Muhammad vs. Leon Edwards rematch: UK star reveals real reason for not getting to short-notice call

Former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards wants to fight Belal Muhammad next after he beats Sean Brady at UFC London.

Belal Muhammad vs. Leon Edwards rematch: UK star reveals real reason for not getting to short-notice call

Leon Edwards is confident about fighting Belal Muhammad next (via Imago/Instagram)

Leon Edwards lost his UFC welterweight title to Belal Muhammad last year at UFC 304. It was a major upset as many didn’t expect the British champion to lose in such a way. However, going forward, Edwards is focused on getting his revenge as well as the title. 

A few weeks ago, Dana White announced the welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. Many expected Edwards would be available for the rematch, but that wasn’t the case. In a recent video, the fighter revealed his reasons for not taking that fight. 

Probably a couple of weeks before, I talked to the UFC. I was trying to step in [as Rakhmonov’s replacement] to fight Belal. But I knew that they had sold London around me. So it was difficult to take me off the card as it would be weird of Jack headlining the London card.

Leon Edwards via his YouTube channel 

Edwards is currently scheduled to fight top welterweight Sean Brady at the upcoming UFC London on March 22. Brady is on a two-fight win streak and is looking to get his hands on the UFC title. According to Edwards, a win against the rising prospect can land him a title shot against Muhammad next. 

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I talked to the UFC, they told me that after this win – this is a No. 1 contender fight – whoever wins it fights for the title. When I win this, I’ll fight for the title. That’s my aim.

Leon Edwards continued. 

Before losing to Muhammad, Edwards was on a 13 fight undefeated streak and had two incredible fights against Kamaru Usman. Despite the loss, the former champion is still one of the top fighters and has the capability to make a comeback. However, Muhammad doesn’t think that’s possible.

Belal Muhammad responds to the Leon Edwards’ rematch 

At UFC 304, Belal Muhammad dominated Leon Edwards for five whole rounds with his wrestling. He was also able to outstrike ‘Rocky’ on the feet which nobody saw coming. During the fight, Edwards looked helpless and any advice from his cornermen went in vain. 

Belal Muhammad destroyed Leon Edwards at UFC 304
Belal Muhammad destroyed Leon Edwards at UFC 304 (via X)

Muhammad has never been a favorite due to his fighting style. He has to wait for a very long time to get this fighting style. After learning about Leon Edwards’ intentions, he made sure to leave a sneaky remark. 

Someone tell him he got three long years ahead of him

Belal Muhammad via X

After winning the belt, Muhammad has been pretty active on social media, and his trash talking has improved a lot. His tweets are entertaining, but his lack of finishes inside the octagon is still a big question. It would be interesting to see whether these two fighters ever get their trilogy fight.