UFC London: Edwards keen to put Muhammad loss in rearview mirror

Leon Edwards is ready to put his loss to Belal Muhammad behind him and prove he is the best welterweight in the division at UFC London on Sunday (AEDT).

The Brit suffered his first defeat in close to 10 years when he took on Muhammad for the welterweight belt last July, dropping a unanimous decision to the Russian.

The result took UFC betting sites by surprise, with Edwards priced as a heavy favourite pre-fight.

Now, the 33-year-old returns to the octagon against No.5 contender Sean Brady this weekend, and he is focused on proving a point.

“Obviously a loss hurts, and it’s upsetting, but now I’m at a stage where it is what it is,” Edwards said.

• 

  Fast Payouts

“I believe I am the best welterweight in the division. 

“I’ve just got to go out there Saturday night and prove it and just put all my wrongs right and it starts Saturday night.

“I’m focusing on becoming a two-time world champion. That’s where my head is at.

“Like I said, I hate to lose and it’s proven by my record and proven my how much I’ve won in the UFC. 

“It is what it is right now. I’m just focused on the next chapter right now.”

Top bookmakers for the UFC have Edwards as a +137 underdog heading into this Saturday’s fight night at the O2 Arena, despite Brady accepting the fight at late notice.

Edwards was originally set to take on Jack Della Maddalena, but the Australian has been scheduled to fight Muhammad for the welterweight belt in May instead.

Should Edwards overcome Brady, he will be in good position to challenge the winner of Muhammad and Della Maddalena — and he has a preference who it is.

“It would definitely mean more to me to take it back from Belal,” he said. 

“I’m not rooting for none of them to be honest with you. 

“I’d love for it to be Belal so I can get the belt back from Belal, but if it’s not, it’s not. 

“I don’t give a shit who wins or loses. That’s where I’m at.”

BetOnline has Muhammad as a -227.27 favourite to beat Della Maddalena, so Edwards’ hopes may well come to fruition.

Sports news