If things go his way at UFC 304 on July 27th, UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards wants his next title defense to come against Conor McGregor.
UFC CEO, Dana White, announced recently that Leon Edwards will finally defend his 170lb title against Belal Muhammad, in a rematch three years in the making.
Since their first fight ended unceremoniously in 2021, ‘Rocky’ Edwards went on to win the welterweight title and has defended it twice already. Muhammad on the other hand has continued his unbeaten streak and has now won five in a row.
Before the huge UFC 304 event in Manchester, England, Conor McGregor makes his comeback to the Octagon at UFC 303, as he takes on Michael Chandler at welterweight.
Leon Edwards wants Conor McGregor if both fighters are victorious
With ‘The Notorious’ returning at 170lbs, Edwards has highlighted the potentially huge fight as his next title defense, if he beats ‘Remember The Name’ on July 27th.
“Let’s give him the opportunity to become champion, give me the opportunity to take out a guy like Conor McGregor, New York, that’d be perfect. That is the fight.” Edwards told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour.
“He goes out there and takes out Michael (Chandler), I take out no one remembers his name and we’ll go from there, New York, Madison Square Garden. That’s the fight, that needs to happen and should happen.” he added.
The 32-year-old champion believes that the Irishman will beat ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler because Chandler’s ‘aggression’ will get him into trouble.
“If you watch them stylistically, Conor’s very sharp shooter, very counter shooter, and Chandler plays off his aggression, he likes entertaining the crowd and tries to have a scrap.
“I feel like he’s too small as well, he’s going to walk onto the backhand. It’s going to be a good fight but I’m favoring Conor in that fight.” Edwards stated.
Conor McGregor comments on Edwards vs Muhammad UFC 304 main event
Of course, the returning McGregor is eyeing up the biggest potential fights and would have the potential of once again making history if he went on to win the 170lb title.
During a live stream with Duelbits, ‘The Notorious’ played down the UFC 304 main event, stating that both fighters go to too many decisions.
“There are too many decisions going on with that Leon (Edwards) fella. Leon Edwards loves a decision and then he’s fighting another f****** decision guy, your man Belal (Muhammad). Not great times in the welterweight title picture.
“200k buys, not even, 150,000 buys.” McGregor predicted.
McGregor went on to comment about Leon Edwards’ fight against Nate Diaz in 2021. The Brit dominated Diaz over five rounds but was almost knocked out in the final round.
The Irishman fought Nate Diaz at 170lbs back in 2016 and was submitted in the second round. They went on to rematch five months later and McGregor scored a majority decision win.
“Leon Edwards, Nate Diaz almost knocked him out, had him out on his feet if that fight went on Leon was unconscious. Also (Donald) Cerrone went the distance with him.” McGregor stated.
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