UFC President Dana White confirmed that the winner of Nate Diaz vs. Leon Edwards will be eligible to challenge for the welterweight title. But he also made it clear that this will happen after Colby Covington has his rematch against Kamaru Usman.
The welterweight bout between Nate Diaz and Leon Edwards will take place this Saturday, June 12. It will take place in Glendale, Arizona, at the Gila River Arena, and will be attended by fans. They will be part of the UFC 263 main card, and although they will not be the headliners of the card, their bout will be a five-rounder.
Dana confirms that the winner between Diaz and Edwards will get a headline opportunity
The highly acclaimed Nate Diaz (21-12) returns to action after almost two years without stepping into the octagon. His last fight was a loss to Jorge Masvidal for the BMF belt. Meanwhile, Englishman Leon Edwards (18-3) returns after the disappointment he suffered earlier this year, which resulted in the end of his eight-fight winning streak.
It was at UFC Vegas 21, where he starred alongside Belal Muhammad in a bout that ended in a no-decision. This was due to an eye poke by Edwards, which made it impossible for his opponent to continue.
The welterweight division has several potential challengers to the crown. The division’s champion, Kamaru Usman, is awaiting his next opponent. The Nigerian is coming off a masterful title defense against Masvidal at UFC 261. Following that win, potential challengers were mentioned, including Colby Covington.
The UFC president said today in an interview with Submission Radio that Covington will be the next one to fight for the belt, and the winner of Diaz vs. Edwards will be the next one.
“Colby is the #1 contender. We already made the fight with Jorge Masvidal, Kamaru wanted it. Colby Covington, the Colby and Usman fight was one of the best I’ve ever seen. He’s #1 in the division, it’s the right fight to make. Whoever wins, (Edwards vs. Diaz) is the next one after Colby.”
Colby is ranked No. 1 at 170 pounds and has already faced Usman. At UFC 245, in the Nigerian’s first defense, he was one of the toughest opponents he has faced. But in the end it was Kamaru who emerged victorious, and he continues to retain his belt.
‘Chaos’ after being stopped by Usman, had only one fight and won it. He faced former welterweight champion, Tyron Woodley, and finished him in the last round by TKO. This impressive win, coupled with his performance against Usman, are the argument for him to be the one to follow for the welterweight title.
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