Constantly criticized for his unexciting fighting style and lack of media attention, Englishman Leon Edwards has gained a powerful defender within the organization. Jon Anik, a commentator for UFC broadcasts, heaped praise on the welterweight champion (up to 77,1kg) and pointed out what he needs to do to solidify his place among the greatest in the division's history.
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“I’m not necessarily surprised. It’s not Leon Edwards ’ job as UFC welterweight champion to lay the groundwork for his next title defense. His aspiration is to become the greatest welterweight champion of all time, and incidentally that’s well within reach when you’ve just beaten Kamaru Usman twice and then Colby Covington . If that’s the goal, he’s well on his way after beating those guys,” said Anik.
Jon continued praising Edwards and named Belal Muhammad as the ideal next opponent for the welterweight champion.
“I think it’s necessary to combine financial goals with career goals. I mean, he’s already a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame, but to pursue the path to becoming the greatest welterweight of all time, if Belal Muhammad is really an easy job, I think this fight makes a lot of sense,” the commentator concluded.
Edwards, who is 32 years old, won all three belts in 2022 and 2023, in an impressive run in the octagon. He shocked the world by knocking out the then-undefeated Kamaru Usman in the fifth round of UFC 278 in August 2022, becoming the first UFC champion born in Jamaica.
In March 2023, Leon defended his title in a rematch against the Nigerian, winning by majority decision at UFC 286. And in December, the champion defeated Colby Covington by unanimous decision at UFC 296. In his career, he has 22 wins and three losses, in addition to one no contest.
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