It appears Leon Edwards’ long-awaited title shot won’t have to wait much longer.
According to Edwards’ manager, Tim Simpson of Paradigm Sports, the UFC has made it clear the U.K. standout is next in line for Kamaru Usman. The only delay in booking the fight centers around the timeline for the reigning welterweight champion’s return to action after a recent hand surgery.
“I’ve been told that’s the plan pending on Kamaru’s hand, but yeah, I believe so [this summer],” Simpson told The MMA Hour. I don’t have the exact details of his hand. I saw the photo of the surgery, but I think so [that fight will happen].
” I don’t think anything will disrupt that, unless Kamaru is out for a year and then they have to come up with something .”
Edwards yearned to be able to fight for UFC Gold. He has been unbeaten in his 10fights and won a unanimous victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 263 in June.
A dominant run in the welterweight division is rare, but Edwards has been plagued by fight cancellations and delays due to the worldwide pandemic. Additionally, he had his own bout with COVID-19 that scrapped another matchup against highly-touted prospect Khamzat Chimaev. He had been scheduled to meet Chimaev three times, but the undefeated Chechen defeated COVID -19 cancelled the other two.
As frustrating as it’s been for Edwards, his manager believes sunnier days are ahead.
“I don’t need to go over again what that guy’s been through at this stage,” Simpson said. “He’s patient and he deserves it. Even when Dana [White] comes out and says that he deserves it. He’s been through this, it’s out of his control.”
If Edwards is unable to win his title shot against Gilbert Burns (who he was expected to fight at UFC 273.), it is that Chimaev may jump the line.
Anything is possible. But Simpson believes in the UFC’s assurances regarding Edwards’ next fight.
“I don’t think that would happen,” the manager said. “He signed three bout agreements to fight Khamzat when allegedly no one else would. I believe the UFC will do right by him, and those are the conversations I’ve had behind the scenes also. That will happen .”
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