Why did Leon Edwards reject the offer to be a backup fighter for UFC 268 main event?

Leon Edwards

Leon Edwards does not like to be the second pick for anything. The top welterweight does not entertain the idea of being a backup fighter for the UFC 268 main event fight.

UFC 268 is one of the most stacked and anticipated events of the year. With two title fights on the card and a potential lightweight title contender fight, there is no doubt this weekend will be a treat for UFC fans. The event is headlined by Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington 2. The two welterweight kings run it back after a year. The fight is set to take place at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. The welterweight division is one of the most competitive divisions in the promotion.

That is per Edwards’ manager Tim Simpson at Paradigm.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 3, 2021

From Leon Edwards to Vicente Luque, to Khamzat Chimaev, all these exciting fighters are looking to get their hands on the welterweight belt. Despite both the contenders for this weekend seeming to be fit, the UFC has called for a backup fighter, and Edwards who is ranked #3 in the division has rejected an offer to be a backup fighter. This comes off as shocking given Edwards has been screaming for a title shot opportunity for quite some time now.

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According to ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto, Edwards has turned down this offer as he looks to train for his upcoming fight in the next pay-per-view event, UFC 269. Leon takes on his foe, Jorge Masvidal in a possible title-contention fight. Edwards’ manager Tim Simpson has revealed this news to ESPN.

If not Leon Edwards, who will be the backup fighter for Usman vs Covington 2?

Vicente Luque UFC 268 — Vicente Luque will weigh in as a backup fighter

The weigh-ins for the pay-per-view event take place on Friday and a top welterweight has agreed to come in as a backup fighter. Vicente Luque, the #4 ranked Brazilian welterweight has no problems in settling as a backup fighter for this glorious title fight. Luque is an exciting fighter who is good in both ground and striking. Luque is on a four-fight winning streak and is looking for a super-fight for his next bout.

Vicente Luque (@VicenteLuqueMMA) will weigh-in on Friday in Manhattan as a backup to the welterweight title fight on UFC 268, per his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) and the UFC.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 3, 2021

Luque is coming off a stunning submission victory against Michael Chiesa at UFC 265. The Brazilian has been linked with the likes of UFC superstar Nate Diaz and will soon be fighting someone of top ranks. Luque has decided to grab this opportunity to be the backup fighter and weigh in on Friday according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. Luque’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has confirmed this news to ESPN. Abdelaziz also happens to be the manager of the champion, Kamaru Usman.

Also read: Watch: Kamaru Usman vows to “harm” Colby Covington in the latest UFC 268 Embedded Vlog Series

Tags: Leon Edwards UFC 268 Vicente Luque

#About the Author

Prateek Athanur

(2976 Articles Published)

Prateek Athanur leads the combat sports team with great enthusiasm. Having worked for more than 2 years and writing over 2500 articles, he oversees major content operations in the website. A connoisseur of Football, MMA, Cricket, and Basketball and is always down to banter. The Conor - Khabib rivalry drew him into the sport and there has been no turning back ever since. Prateek loves a good underdog story and there isn't a sport in this world that produces upsets like mixed martial arts.

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Why did Leon Edwards reject the offer to be a backup fighter for UFC 268 main event?

If not Leon Edwards, who will be the backup fighter for Usman vs Covington 2?

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