Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards (credits: Bloody Elbow)
UFC welterweight fighter Gilbert Burns has picked Leon Edwards to dethrone the welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman
Even though the UFC welterweight division remains the most exciting division in the UFC today, the champion Kamaru Usman sits comfortably on top having wiped out all the competition presented in front of him. Fresh young prospects are breaking their way into the top, while Usman has been sidelined for some time due to a hand injury.
It was confirmed by UFC President Dana White during UFC London that Leon Edwards is next for the title shot, and it’s just a matter of time before the dates are finalized when Usman returns.
Kamaru Usman had a successful surgery and has been working towards returning to full action as soon as possible. While some believe that there is hardly any threat that Leon poses, others have sort of acknowledged his well-rounded game. Edwards is also a tall southpaw who switches stances effortlessly, something that will come in handy when facing Usman.
Brazilian welterweight fighter Gilbert Burns who has previously faced Usman, weighed in on the idea of this fight saying that Edwards has the best chance at beating Usman.
“I’m telling you right now, Leon Edwards is very underrated,” Burns told Food Truck Diaries (h/t MMA Junkie). “That guy is very good. Just think about it: a striker, long and a southpaw. That’s already tough, and that guy has a great team.
“I know Kamaru pretty well, but that fight is gonna be close,” he continued. “That fight is gonna be close, and I think if you got these three guys, me in my opinion, Colby [Covington], Khamzat [Chimaev], and Leon, Leon has the best chance to beat Usman.”
“Very long. These other guys are wrestlers. They can strike, don’t get me wrong. Both guys (Covington, and Chimaev) can strike, but they are wrestlers. That guy (Edwards) is a striker.
“I think out of these three guys, Leon has more chance to beat Kamaru, and I think that fight is gonna be close,” he concluded. “Kamaru is very smart. He’s been there a couple of times. I think he’s gonna take the fight very serious, but if he doesn’t, it’s a mistake. It’s a rematch, now fighting for the title. That guy’s been waiting for the opportunity.”
Brazilian welterweight Gilbert Burns has been riding high on the momentum he garnered in his epic slugfest against fellow title contender, Khamzat Chimaev. Although Burns lost the fight by decision, he still won the hearts of all the fans, who saw a different side of him throughout the fight week.
He has been using this impulse and incitement to call out the biggest names in the game, now that he is in that position and conversation. He has called out Nate Diaz and BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, probably chasing a blockbuster fight and huge payday.
He posted a picture of them on Twitter with the caption,‘ @GamebredFighter‘
Masvidal who has been on a losing skid, and downward spiral, would benefit greatly with a win over some top-ranked competition, while trouble outside the octagon continue to mount and boil for him. He responded to the tweet by saying, ‘Sounds good to me. Let’s see’
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