Leon Edwards knows Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal is a big fight but doesn’t expect the result to change.
At UFC 261, Usman and Masvidal will have their rematch, not even a year after Usman dominated the first scrap at UFC 251. In the fight, the champ used his wrestling and clinch to control the fight and clearly win a decision.
However, Masvidal did take the fight on six day’s notice so that could’ve impacted him. Yet, for Leon Edwards, he doesn’t see how Masvidal can beat Usman and thinks it will just be another fight where Usman uses his grappling and clinch to win a lackluster fight.
“Surprised (UFC booked the rematch)? No. Because it’s about money, right? Putting asses in the seats,” Edwards said to “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. “I think the fight 10 out of 10 times, Usman (wins) nine probably. It’s a good, entertaining fight for the fans, but as martial artists, it’s just one of them fights. Usman’s going to go out there and grapple him probably. I’ll be watching for sure. But if I had to put money on it, I would probably go Usman for the win again.”
Obviously, the fight being booked is also disappointing for Leon Edwards who was looking to get a title shot. With this fight booked, it’s uncertain who he will face next time out. He has called out Colby Covington but Belal Muhammad has also called for a rematch due to the fact the fight ended in a no-contest.
Regardless, the fight between Usman and Masvidal has been booked, so Edwards is now on the outside looking in. He will no doubt need to get another fight and get an impressive win to secure a title shot. A fight against Covington or Gilbert Burns would no doubt do that. But, for now, Edwards is on the sidelines waiting for his next fight.
