Leon Edwards Accuses Jorge Masvidal Of Running Away From Title Fight
Leon Edwards is having a hard time figuring out why Jorge Masvidal seems to be turning down a title shot against the UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman.
After defeating Nate Diaz to be crowned the ‘BMF’ champion at UFC 244, Masvidal was expected to face Usman for the 170lbstitle. However, after long negotiations for the title fight fell off, ‘Gamebred’ now seems to have turned his attention to a Diaz rematch.
Speaking to Low Kick MMA, Edwards gave his thoughts on the whole situation.
“It’s weird,” Edwards said. “It’s very weird. In the history of the sport, I’ve never known someone to turn down a title shot. Like, literally running away from a title shot, it’s weird. He’s either outbidding himself or just now saying he’s fighting [Nate] Diaz. I know he’s probably a bigger name but as far as technically when it’s all said and done you want to be a champion don’t you? And he does want to be a world champion so it’s weird, I don’t know, I don’t know how to take it.”
If Masvidal does opt for a rematch against Diaz instead of the welterweight title fight, ‘Rocky’ believes he is the one who deserves a shot against Usman.
“I am 100 percent next in line,” Edwards said. “Dana [White] came out yesterday, or the day before and said the Conor [McGregor] fight isn’t happening. It’s either me, Masvidal or Colby [Covington]. I don’t know why he put Colby in there because Colby ain’t getting nothing. It’s just us two really. Either me or Masvidal is going to get the shot. I’ve done enough work to deserve a shot and I cannot wait.”
Earlier this week, Usman said he doesn’t believe Covington deserves an immediate rematch. Leaving Edwards confident that he will challenge ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ for the title next, as early as this summer.
“At the moment they (UFC) are saying it’s either Colby or a title shot [for my next fight]. I know Colby got kicked out of his gym, so he probably won’t fight now for a while. So, I think it’s going to be a title shot, hopefully, this summer.
Since Edwards spoke to Low Kick MMA, Gilbert Burns has put himself in the title mix by dominating the former champion Tyron Woodley, at UFC Vegas.
Who do you think should challenge Kamaru Usman for the UFC welterweight title next, Leon Edwards, Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington or Gilbert Burns?
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