By: Aaron Morris
Image credit: Sky Sports
Leon Edwards hopes to join an exclusive club of two-divisional UFC champions following his up and coming welterweight defence against Colby Covington next month.
'Rocky' is set to defend for the second time this year after his recent win over old foe in Kamaru Usman back in March, however, it seems unlikely that he'll stick around at his current weight class - should the UFC allow it.
The 32-year-old fighting out of Birmingham, England recently flirted with the idea of making the move to Middleweight to fight the winner of Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis after the dust settles between the two at UFC 297 in January.
Speaking to Sky Sports about a potential move to 185lbs, Edwards said: "Yeah 100 per cent, definitely. I feel, especially with someone like Strickland - and I think he's fighting Du Plessis soon - so any of them two would be great to fight."
When probed about how he matches up with either man, Edwards described his chances as 'perfect' adding: "I feel like me going out there and being double champ - first ever from the UK to do it. That's definitely one of my goals. That's on the cards for sure."
And Edwards doesn't want to stick around waiting in the wings for the chance to shoot his shot either, explaining how the next available opportunity would be 'perfect'.
He went on: "There's no one in the division for me that's exciting so for me to go out there and do that, that would be perfect. UFC 300 - I like that. That would be...put me on that card and it would be massive you know?"
However, Edwards must first defend his welterweight strap against 'Chaos' Covington at UFC 296 come December 16 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Covington has already had two bites at the title previously, but never achieved his dreams of becoming the number one fighter at 170lbs.
He first faced then title holder Usman at UFC 245 back in 2019, stopped in the fifth round via TKO. He would get his second opportunity at UFC 268 against the very same man, but would once again fall short following a dominant performance from the Nigerian Nightmare.
Following the second bout, UFC President Dana White said that 'if Usman doesn't exist, Colby Covington is the champion here' adding: "This guy [Usman] is just the best ever...he's the best welterweight of all time. He is on his way to possible GOAT status and Colby Covington is one tough dude.
"I mean he is so tough."
Edwards will be an incredibly tough task ahead however, currently enjoying a 12-fight unbeaten streak (11 wins and 1 no contest) with victories over a who's who of the welterweight division - including Nate Diaz, Rafael Dos Anjos, Gunnar Nelson, Donald Cerrone and Bryan Barbarena.
Speaking on his next opponent in Covington, the champion has said he doesn't know how the fight 'makes sense', criticising the all-American wrestler's capabilities in the octagon. Speaking after his first defence at UFC 268, Edwards said: "He hasn't fought for over a year and a half - sat out not injured.
"I just don't get how he slides in for the world title shot when there's other guys in the division that's been active, been fighting, didn't sit out."
Leon Edwards takes on Colby Covington at UFC 296 come December 16 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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