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After months of speculation and silence, Leon "Rocky" Edwards has confirmed his intentions to mount a comeback and reclaim the UFC welterweight championship. The former champion, who experienced a meteoric rise to the top of the division, has set a clear goal: to be a two-time UFC champion by this time next year.
Edwards' journey to the pinnacle of the welterweight division was nothing short of extraordinary. Riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak, he captured the title with a dramatic victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. Edwards successfully defended the belt twice, defeating Usman in a rematch and dominating Colby Covington in a masterful performance. However, his reign came to an abrupt halt at UFC 304 when Belal Muhammad ended his streak in a one-sided affair.
Now, four months removed from the defeat, Edwards is determined to bounce back.
"My goal right now is to, obviously, get the belt back," Edwards shared. "I'd love to be champion again by the end of next year. Around this time next year."
The loss to Muhammad marked Edwards' first defeat in nearly a decade, a bitter pill to swallow for the ultra-competitive Brit.
"I feel like I hate losing more than I love winning," he admitted. "But there's not much you can do now. You move on, put it behind you. For me, it's about what's next and how to get back to where you want to be. My goal is to be a two-time world champion."
A Crowded Path to Redemption for Leon Edwards
The welterweight division remains one of the most talent-rich and unpredictable landscapes in the UFC. With Belal Muhammad currently sidelined due to injury, the division’s focus shifts to UFC 310, where Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Garry are set to square off in what many view as a de facto number-one contender fight.
This scenario leaves Edwards in a challenging position, as his road back to the title lacks immediate clarity. Adding intrigue to the mix, Jorge Masvidal, who announced his un-retirement, has publicly called for a fight against Edwards.
The bad blood between Edwards and Masvidal traces back to their infamous backstage altercation at UFC London in 2019. A grudge match between the two has long been discussed, and Masvidal's return could provide the perfect platform for Edwards' comeback.
While no official fight has been announced, Edwards remains laser-focused on regaining his crown, regardless of who stands in his way.
The Fire Still Burns
The loss to Muhammad may have dented Edwards’ momentum, but it hasn't diminished his hunger. The former champion appears resolute, channeling his disappointment into motivation for his comeback.
As the 170-pound division braces for pivotal matchups, all eyes will be on "Rocky" to see if he can recapture the form that made him one of the UFC’s most dominant welterweights. With a mix of veteran grit and calculated determination, Edwards has the tools to rewrite his story and reclaim his place atop the division.
The road to redemption won’t be easy, but for a fighter who thrives under pressure, the journey is far from over.
Let the climb begin. Fight.TV is here for it!
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