Champ Usman leaning towards Leon Edwards over Jorge Masvidal for next title defense
After a successful first defense of his title against Colby Covington at UFC 245, Kamaru Usman is looking to enjoy his victory, relax and enjoy some time with his family before worrying about challengers in 2020; but with a “Fight of the Night” performance like he put on against Covington, of course talks of the next challenger are bound to come in quickly for the welterweight champion.
As a rematch with Covington seems unlikely for Usman, one of the first names on our mind for Usman’s next challenge is the newly minted “BMF”champ Jorge Masvidal and given the 2019 “Street Jesus” has had, it’s hard to argue with him being the next in line for the champ.
But when asked about Masvidal as the next challenger for the welterweight belt, Usman seemed uninterested and blew off the idea of a matchup with Jorge, stating that he sees a lot of people in the division not giving Leon Edwards the respect he deserves, and realizing the rank he has at welterweight. Usman wants to give Leon the shot many people may not be aware he deserves.
Edwards, who is on an eight-fight win streak in the division, since his last lost coming in 2015 by unanimous decision at the hands of Usman, has been silently climbing the division putting on high level performances every time he enters the octagon. A rematch would certainly make for an interesting story in the ever-changing welterweight division.
Has Leon made enough improvements in his game since their last fight to challenge Kamaru Usman for the welterweight belt?
And of the many budding welterweight contenders who would you want to see Usman defend his title against next?
Jorge has made it clear he wants big fights and could possibly fight Conor Mcgregor next if “Mystic Mac” can come out with a victory in his January bout with Donald Cerrrone. This leaves the door open even wider for Leon Edwards to step up and challenge for the welterweight belt.
There are multiple avenues for the welterweight division to go and all of them interesting as the division is shaking up to be the most exciting in MMA going into the new year.
