What’s next for welterweight champion Leon Edwards?

Champion Leon Edwards. Photo: Adam Hagy – USA TODAY Sports

After winning last night’s UFC 278 main event against Kamaru Usman, the new-crowned welterweight champion Leon ”Rocky” Edwards is surrounded by top ranked fighters challenging him for a fight. 

Click ”Next” to see who could be next for Edwards!

Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman. Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports

An immediate rematch against ”The Nigerian Nightmare” might be next for the brand new champion.

UFC president Dana White said that he wanted a trilogy between Edwards and Usman in the UK, but since the promotion has been booking a lot of immediate rematches lately, it’s questionable if this fight is what the fans really want.

Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal. Photo: Sarah Stier – USA TODAY Sports

Jorge Masvidal seemed to be happy about Edwards winning the title bout.

“I heard we going to London again,” Masvidal wrote on Instagram.

However, despite the rivals bitter history, Masvidal is on a three-fight losing streak, that includes two title bouts. His last win came as far back as November 2019 against Nate Diaz.

Colby Covington

Colby Covington. Photo: Ed Mulholland – USA TODAY Sports

Top ranked Colby Covington must be excited after UFC 278. After two unsuccessful title shots against Usman, a new champion means that Covington’s chances of finally conquering the welterweight gold looks better than in a long time.

At the moment, ”Chaos” has no fight booked, and a return against Edwards is absolutely possible.

Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev. Photo: Johnathon Michael / Frontkick.online

Rising superstar Khamzat Chimaev might very well be next in line for a title shot. If he puts on a dominating performance against Nate Diaz on September 10, ”Borz” would make a strong case for facing Edwards next.

“Congratulations Leon Edwards. See you soon boy,” Chimaev wrote on Twitter after Saturday’s fight.

Chimaev and Edwards was supposed to fight back in December 2020. However, both welterweights tested positive for COVID-19, and the fight was postponed. The bout was then rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 185 and UFC Fight Night 187, but was cancelled both times.

However, Chimaev went on to beat Li Jingliang and Gilbert Burns, while Edwards had a no-contest against Belal Muhammad, and wins over Nate Diaz and Kamaru Usman.

Winner of Belal Muhammad vs. Sean Brady

Sean Brady. Foto: Jeff Bottari/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Belal Muhammad is scheduled to face undefeated Sean Brady at the stacked UFC 280 in October. The winner of the interesting bout could potentially be the next fighter to challenge Edwards.

Welterweight champion Leon Edwards

Leon Edwards. Photo: USA Today Sports

• Age: 30
• Record: 20-3-1
• Weight: 170 lbs (77 kilo)
• Height: 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
• Performance of the Night bonuses: 2
• Fight of the Nigth bonuses: 0

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