- Leon Edwards is the current UFC Welterweight Champion.
- Edwards is coming off his first successful title defense against Kamaru Usman.
- Edwards’ next opponent is Colby Covington.
Leon Edwards successfully defended his UFC Welterweight Title against rival and former champion Kamaru Usman in their trilogy fight in the main event of UFC 286 in London with a majority decision win. It was his first title defense after dethroning Usman in August 2022 via a fifth-round head-kick knockout.
UNDISPUTED!!🏆@LeonEdwardsMMA defends his welterweight title in great fashion! He beats Kamaru Usman via majority decision at #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/HDIjcI583c
— UFC (@ufc) March 19, 2023
It was Edwards’ 14th UFC career win and cemented his name on UFC odds in BetMGM’s online sportsbooks. After cementing his reign with back-to-back wins over Usman, what’s next for the 170-pound title-holder? And when will he see a return inside the Octagon?
When Is Leon Edwards’ Next Fight?
The UFC confirmed that Leon Edwards will be defending his UFC Welterweight title against no. 2-ranked contender Colby Covington on Dec. 16, 2023, as they headline UFC 296 inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It will be “Rocky’s” second title defense after winning the coveted belt in August 2022.
Leon Edwards will defend his welterweight title against Colby Covington at UFC 296, UFC announced Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/ec4CcwLkk5
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 21, 2023
Leon Edwards MMA Record and Statistics
- MMA record: 21-3
- Wins by TKO/KO: 7
- Wins by submission: 3
- Wins by decision: 11
- Striking accuracy: 51%
- Significant strikes landed per minute: 2.59
- Significant strikes absorbed: 2.28
- Takedown average per 15 minutes: 1.39
- Submission average per 15 minutes: 0.38
- Significant strikes defense: 53%
- Takedown defense: 68%
- Knockdown average: 0.32
- Average fight time: 15:50
Leon Edwards Notable Wins
“Rocky” has a great list of wins over the likes of Dominic Waters, Vicente Luque, Bryan Barberena, Donald Cerrone, Gunnar Nelson, Rafael Dos Anjos, Nate Diaz and Kamaru Usman (twice).
Leon Edwards UFC Earnings
Leon Edwards received his biggest payout in his latest fight against Kamaru Usman, where he pocketed $350,000. This amount has pushed his total UFC career earnings to $1,424,500. Excluded in this figure are sponsorship and other deals.
Leon Edwards Team and Corner
Leon Edwards has been training under Team Renegade in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he is guided by coaches Ash Begg and Dave Lovell. Begg and Lovell also head the corner of Edwards during fights. Since leaving American Kickboxing Academy, Team Renegade has been Edwards’ home since 2015.
Although Edwards and Arnold Allen are the only fighters competing in the UFC, the team and the gym aims to produce more world-class athletes who will eventually represent them in the leading MMA promotion.
Build a Parlay at BetMGM
BetMGM is the premier online sportsbook for parlays.
With thousands of events each year, there are endless combinations for parlay bets. Whether you like NFL moneylines, NBA spreads, MLB run lines, or anything else, there are opportunities for everyone.
If you don’t have a sportsbook account, sign up for the BetMGM First Bet Offer, one of many sportsbook offers at BetMGM.