Report | Leon Edwards turned down multiple opponents together with Covington and Neal right before becoming removed from rankings

Leon Edwards reportedly turned down a number of opponents in advance of he was eliminated from the UFC rankings.

Edwards hasn’t fought due to the fact July of very last yr when he defeated Rafael dos Anjos by conclusion. Due to the fact then, he was scheduled to struggle Tyron Woodley in March. Having said that, the event was canceled owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Edwards was then locked down in England and could not teach effectively so he turned down several fights.

On Thursday, it was discovered the Brit was taken out from the rankings thanks to inactivity. He later verified about textual content to BJPENN.com.

Now, according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, a different explanation why he was taken out was owing to the reality he turned down quite a few fights.

After the Woodley battle fell by way of in March, the future offer you arrived on limited recognize to combat Usman in July, then Covington when Woodley fight was iffy, then Geoff Neal and then Khamzat Chimaev on 12/19. Edwards did not concur to people fights.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 22, 2020

“After the Woodley fight fell by means of in March, the next provide arrived on shorter recognize to battle Usman in July. Then Covington when Woodley struggle was iffy, then Geoff Neal and then Khamzat Chimaev on 12/19. Edwards did not concur to those fights,” Helwani claimed.

It was frequent knowledge Edwards was presented the Kamaru Usman battle on small see at UFC 251 but declined thanks to the point he could not train. What is interesting is the truth he was presented fights against Colby Covington, Geoff Neal, and Khamzat Chimaev and turned them all down.

There is no problem Edwards deserved a prime-ranked opponent at welterweight but it seems he won’t be receiving 1. So, adhering to his removal from the rankings he basically took to Twitter to call out Chimaev and say he will struggle him. It does make perception as if Chimaev wins, he would get a title shot and show he is legit. For Edwards, it is a prospect to get back in the Octagon. It would also get some hype powering his title if he beats Chimaev.

What do you make of Leon Edwards reportedly turning down several opponents?