Of all the fighters claiming the UFC treats them unfairly, perhaps nobody has a greater claim than welterweight Leon Edwards. Edwards boasts a nine-fight win streak, but he can’t seem to get within grabbing distance of the welterweight title.
Some, including fellow welterweight Gilbert Burns, have accused Edwards of ducking particular opponents in order to maintain his win streak, and he had some choice words for those who dare criticize him.
Leon Edwards Hits Back at “ugly bastard’ Gilbert Burns
“He’s an ugly bastard,” Edwards told The MMA Hour. “That’s what I say to him. Everything he posts on social media is talking sh*t. You put his name and ‘I”ll fight anybody’ but really he won’t. He’s doing it just to keep his name relevant.”
Edwards continued, outlining the risks he took in facing lower-ranked opponents, and notoriously tough fighter Nate Diaz.
“I’m the only one that’s taking all these risks. Khamzat [Chimaev], Masvidal, [Nate] Diaz, I’m the only one that’s fighting and taking all these lower ranked guys. Like what the f*ck is going on?
Like I said, it is what it is. I keep doing my thing. I keep making my moves, keep making my money and eventually I’ll be a world champion.”
With Leon Edwards set to take on Jorge Masvidal at UFC 269, he’ll have the opportunity to silence his critics. Masvidal is on a two-fight skid, both losses at the hands of reigning welterweight champ Kamaru Usman.
Usman dealt Masvidal his first ever knockout loss, and “Gamebred” will be looking to return to winning ways. Should Edwards defeat Masvidal, he can expect his long-awaited title shot.
As for those online who still doubt him, Leon Edwards is relaxed. “It’s a mad world. The MMA world is mad. I’ve come to realize that these people are crazy. I can’t sit and listen to it. I keep doing my thing and stay focused on the task at hand. You can’t pay too much attention to it. It will drive you mad.
Some of the things I see on social media it’s like what’s going on? Everyone out there is tweeting and talking sh*t but I’m the only one that’s making moves. I’m the only one that’s putting it all on the line. I’ve grown into a title shot but I’m taking a back step, fighting No. 6 [ranked UFC fighter] in the world to then fight for a title. It’s all good.
Let them talk.” Do you think Leon Edwards should get his shot at the title? Let us know in the comments.
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