Leon Edwards, the former welterweight champion, is reportedly preparing for a comeback in March, aiming to fight in front of a home crowd in London. Edwards recently lost his title to Belal Muhammad, a hard-fought bout that ended in disappointment for the British star. Now, with the London fight date circulating as a potential return for Edwards, fans are speculating on who he might face as he attempts to climb back to the top of the welterweight division.
Let’s explore some of the possible matchups for Edwards in his London return, as well as the stakes each fight would bring for the division.
Shavkat Rakhmanov: A Rising Threat
Shavkat Rakhmanov is currently one of the hottest names in the welterweight division, known for his well-rounded skill set and unblemished record. With a strong combination of grappling, striking, and relentless pressure, Rakhmanov has quickly become a dangerous contender. Edwards vs. Rakhmanov would be a high-stakes battle with clear title implications, and it could serve as a true test for Edwards as he works his way back into title contention.
For Edwards, a victory over Rakhmanov would make a strong statement, potentially setting him up for another title shot down the road. For Rakhmanov, a win would elevate his status as a serious threat to anyone in the division. Fans in London would surely welcome the chance to see Edwards take on one of the division's toughest rising stars in a bout that could deliver explosive action.
Belal Muhammad: The Rematch for Redemption
Edwards’ last fight with Belal Muhammad left a bitter taste, as Muhammad took the title in a grueling match that saw him outlast Edwards to capture the welterweight belt. For Edwards, a rematch with Muhammad represents not only a shot at redemption but also a chance to reclaim the title that slipped through his fingers. Edwards and Muhammad have unfinished business, and a rematch could settle any lingering questions about their previous fight.
The rematch would likely be intense, with Edwards bringing everything to regain his belt and Muhammad looking to solidify his reign. For UK fans, a London venue would make this rematch even more thrilling, offering Edwards a chance to avenge his loss and Muhammad a stage to showcase his champion status.
Dustin Poirier: A Superfight Opportunity
While Dustin Poirier isn’t a welterweight by trade, he has expressed interest in moving up to 170 pounds, and a fight with Edwards could be an enticing option. Poirier is a former lightweight title contender and one of the UFC’s most popular fighters, known for his relentless fighting style and knockout power. Facing Poirier would not only bring Edwards a unique stylistic matchup but would also increase the fight’s visibility, given Poirier’s star power and popularity.
For Edwards, a victory over a name like Poirier could be a solid way to rebuild his momentum and appeal to fans beyond the welterweight division. Although a fight with Poirier wouldn’t be a direct path back to the title, it could still be a high-profile matchup, especially for fans eager to see Poirier’s debut in the welterweight ranks.
What’s Next for Leon Edwards? k
With his return expected in March, Edwards has options that could set the tone for the next chapter of his career. A rematch with Muhammad would be a fierce battle for the title and a shot at redemption. A showdown with Rakhmanov would test his skills against one of the most dangerous rising stars in the sport. And a fight with Poirier, though unconventional, could draw significant attention and deliver fireworks for fans.
Whoever he faces, Edwards’ London comeback is sure to be a highly anticipated event, with fans eager to see the former champ’s next move. Will he rise again to reclaim the welterweight throne, or will a new challenger emerge from the shadows