Leon Edwards is drained of ready to return to action.
The past time Leon Edwards competed in a UFC Octagon was in July of 2019. The reason for this long layoff isn’t mainly because of a really serious harm that he necessary to recuperate from or mainly because of intensive contract negotiations. In fact, there could be no distinct singular cause for the layoff at all. The closest point to these kinds of an rationalization is the point that the UFC is decided to stick to by with actualizing a combat in between Edwards and 2020 breakthrough star Khamzat Chimaev.
Leon Edwards initially experienced no interest in combating Chimaev thanks to the rankings and expertise disparity. At some point, he would cave and concur to choose on the rising star. The two had been initially scheduled to compete on December 19 on the final card of the year, but Edwards came down with COVID. This resulted in the struggle being pushed again to January 20. Unfortunately, Chimaev, who also experienced contracted the virus, did not recuperate in time to be thoroughly organized to compete by the new day.
Leon Edwards’ Requests Denied
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Immediately after the 2nd cancellation, there were studies that the UFC was looking to switch Chimaev and hold Edwards on the card. If that’s the scenario, the UFC brass swiftly altered its mind. Due to the fact in accordance to Edwards, the two names he pitched for opponents were shot down.
“I provided to battle Neil or Chiesa in the most important occasion Jan. 20 and Chimaev straight just after, but the UFC resolved from it,” Edwards commented on an Instagram submit.
Now it may however be legitimate that the UFC sought replacements for Chimaev but preferred to retain Magny/Chimaev’s bout intact. Nonetheless, the UFC has lately experienced backup fighters on deck in scenario anything goes awry in the most important event’s reserving. Hence, it is however at minimum considerably contradictory that they would ignore the two Magny and Chiesa when each adult men ended up available to fill in.
Both way, the biggest takeaway from the UFC’s rejection of Edwards’ ask for and the a person detail we know for particular is that the UFC is nonetheless performing anything in its electric power to reserve Khamzat Chimaev from the #3-rated Leon Edwards come hell or substantial h2o.
Do you consider the UFC ever truly looked for a Khamzat Chimaev alternative to combat Leon Edwards?