Leon Edwards’ path to glory in the UFC has taken him from being an underrated divisional dark horse to the best welterweight in the world. Before he defends his belt at UFC 304 against Belal Muhammad, let’s take a look at some of his greatest moments in the Octagon.
Related: UFC 304: Start time, fight card, and latest betting odds for tonight
Leon Edwards vs. Seth Baczynski – UFC Fight Night 64
After a disappointing start to his UFC career, Leon Edwards wanted a second chance at making a first impression. That’s exactly what he did against Seth Baczynski.
In the final preliminary bout of UFC Fight Night 64, Edwards wasted no time trying to put his Octagon debut in the rearview mirror. Baczynski’s aggressive start put him in the firing range of a stiff left straight. “Rocky” immediately followed up with strikes and walked away before the ref could intervene. In just eight seconds, Edwards secured his first UFC victory.
Also Read: Top-10 Fastest Knockouts In UFC History Including Jorge Masvidal, Leon Edwards
Leon Edwards vs. Rafael Dos Anjos – UFC on ESPN 4
As Leon Edwards marched closer to the title picture with seven straight wins, he would get his biggest test at UFC on ESPN 4 in his first main event. He would be paired against former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos.
Edwards shined from bell to bell. That evening in Texas, he shut down Dos Anjos’ offense, stalled him on the floor, and proved had what it takes to defeat the division elite.
Leon Edwards vs. Nate Diaz – UFC 263
With a ton of momentum behind him, Leon Edwards was the obvious choice for a title shot but the UFC had other plans. In a strange booking, he was scheduled to face Nate Diaz at UFC 263 for the first non-title, non-main event five round fight.
Edwards spent the majority of the fight reestablishing his place as the rightful number one contender against the fan favorite journeymen. Even with a scare late in the final round, Edwards had no issue getting the judges’ decision.
Also Read: 10 Best Boxers Who Tried To Win Gold At The Olympics: From Oscar De La Hoya to Vasiliy Lomachenko
Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 2 – UFC 278
After dropping a unanimous decision to Kamaru Usman in 2015, Leon Edwards would have a slow climb back towards avenging that loss. After going undefeated in his next 10 fights, he would finally get the chance with the highest stakes attached.
After getting controlled and outwrestled for the overwhelming majority of the fight, things would take a turn in the final minute of the final round. That’s when Edwards would set up a head kick that instantly slept the defending champion and changed ownership of the welterweight throne.
Related: UFC Rankings – Latest top 10 in Every Division, Including Heavyweight and Middleweight
Leon Edwards vs, Kamaru Usman 3 – UFC 286
After evening the score against Kamaru Usman and snatching the welterweight crown in the process, Leon Edwards entered the trilogy match as the betting underdog. Although he authored one of the greatest KOs in UFC history, he struggled through the large majority of the fight. He would silence all naysayers in the main event of UFC 286.
Unlike their previous two fights, Edwards was able to stop the takedowns and contest the fight where he saw fit. Instead of a last-minute head kick to seal the deal, this win was played for the full distance and left no doubts.
Also Read: Terence Crawford Next Fight: ‘Bud’ Goes for Gold at Junior Middleweight
