Jamaica-born UFC champion sets sights on title defence
Published:Saturday | May 25, 2024 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
JAMAICA-born Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards is currently in preparation mode ahead of his third welterweight title defence against Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 304 on July 27 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Ahead of his title defence Edwards jokingly stated, while speaking to reporters, that he’s eager to take out Muhammad based on his constant trash talk and antics on social media.
“Yes, 100 per cent as this guy has been a nuisance in my life and on social media for the longest while,” he joked.
This will be the second fight between the two following their 2021 clash which ended in a no-contest after Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in his eyes during the second round. Edwards who will enter the bout with 22 victories, three defeats and one no-contest from his 26 fights, explained that while Muhammad has improved since their last fight he has full confidence that he’ll be able to get the job done and retain his title.
“He’s had some good wins, he has improved and I can’t be deluded and approach it like it’s his first fight. However, his improvement will make no difference come fight night as I feel like I’m the better athlete. I just feel like if I fight him 10 times, I’ll beat him ten times. It will be my second time fighting him and I’m eager to take him out,” Edwards stated.
American Muhammad boasts a record similar to Edwards’ – 23 victories, three defeats and a no-contest from his 27 fights.
The 32-year-old Edwards, who is also on a four-fight unbeaten streak, shared that there’s still a lot to accomplish and has his eyes set on achieving as much as possible.
“I feel like I’ve got a lot more to do and haven’t done nothing yet. There’s so much to accomplish and I’m focused, driven and I cannot wait to accomplish it,” Edwards stated.
Edwards who competes in a stacked welterweight division says he is willing to take on any fighter that stands in his way.
“I think more about opportunities rather than names, give me whoever. I feel like all work is easy work and I just focused on going out there and get the job done,” he said.