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UFC’s Edwards dismisses fighting Covington
March 21, 2023
Reigning Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) of the welterweight division, Jamaica-born British fighter Leon 'Rocky' Edwards, has poured cold water on the prospects of fighting former welterweight champion American Colby Covington in his next title defence as he believes there are other fighters that are worthy of a title shot in the welterweight division.
The 31-year-old Edwards, speaking in his post-fight interview at the weekend, said he has now earned the right to 'cherry pick', who he faces next, and the highly-rated Covington is down the pecking order.
"I don't know how that makes any sense. He hasn't fought in over a year and a half. He has just sat out while not being injured, so I don't know how he gets to just slide in for a world title shot. There are other guys in the division that have been active and fighting. I'm the king now, I've earned my way, and I feel like I should decide who's next," Edwards stated.
Edwards' comments came on the heels of his successful title defence against 'The Nigerian Nightmare' Kamara Usman via a majority decision at the London O2 Arena on Saturday night. It was his second victory over Usman in three meetings.
With his latest victory, Edwards improved to 21 wins from 24 fights as he extended his unbeaten streak to 12. He added that based on Usman's tactics on the night, it was evident that the powerful kick he landed to the head of the Nigerian in their previous meeting was still playing on his opponent's mind.
"I was attacking his legs and his body. I knew he would have been worried about the kick, based on what happened the last fight, so I was using my kicks to set up my hands, which would bring his hands down and land a head kick. But fair play to his team, who had a great game plan and to him for being disciplined throughout the fight," Edwards remarked.
Fighting out of the 'Team Renegade' camp, Edwards believes his victory will inspire other fighters within the group to achieve their goals.
"I feel that confidence breeds confidence. With me achieving this goal, it'll always ricochet down to the people like Tom Breese and everyone. When I was coming up, there wasn't anyone to look up to and say, 'If he could do it, then I could do it'. Now the amateurs are feeling it. Everyone is feeling it as we all want to grow and get better and better," Edwards said.
