Leon Edwards Eyes Middleweight Title Bid Following UFC 296

Leon Edwards claims there is no one exciting enough left for him at welterweight after his upcoming title defense against Colby Covington at UFC 296 on Dec. 16.

Edwards dethroned Kamaru Usman in a shocking upset at UFC 278 before defending the belt via decision in a rematch at UFC 286 in March. While many expected Belal Muhammad to get his long due title shot next, Dana White was adamant on giving it to Covington, who hasn’t fought since a decision win over Jorge Masvidal in March 2022.

If he defeats Covington at UFC 296, Edwards is no longer interested in defending his title at 170 pounds. “Rocky” recently told Sky Sports that he is eyeing double-champ glory with a middleweight title shot in his next outing.

Edwards will be keenly watching the upcoming UFC 297 title fight between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, both of whom he considers to be good matchups.

"One hundred percent, definitely [moving up to challenge the middleweight champion]. I feel especially with somebody like Strickland and I think he's fighting Du Plessis, so any of them two would be great. I’m big myself. I feel like that would be perfect,” Edwards told Sky Sports. “I feel like me going out and being double-champ, first ever from the U.K. to do it. That’s definitely one of my goals. That’s on the cards for sure.”

Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev will also be waiting for the winner of Strickland vs. Du Plessis. Chimaev, who defeated Kamaru Usman in what was labeled as a middleweight title eliminator at UFC 294, reacted to Edwards’ desire to move up on social media.

“Colby wants to go 155. Leon wants 185. They’re both terrified of me,” Chimaev wrote.

“Rocky” is also looking to make a quick turnaround for an appearance on the UFC 300 card, which is expected to take place in April.

“Next would be perfect, to be honest,” he said. “The division right now, there’s no one that’s exciting in the division so for me to go out there to do that, that would be perfect. UFC 300, I like that. To put me on that card would be massive. Let’s see.”