Leon Edwards might be disappointed by Jorge Masvidal’s removal from their scheduled fight at UFC 269, but he’s far from surprised. “Rocky” Edwards told ESPN that deep down he always knew Masvidal wasn’t going to fight him. Instead, he’s going to focus on a run at the reigning welterweight champ, and #1 pound for pound fighter on the UFC roster, Kamaru Usman.
“I knew he was going to. I heard some news coming back that he was looking a bit fat, he was looking chubby still. I didn’t think he was training for it to be honest. I always knew he was going to run away.
Edwards “Always Knew” Masvidal Would “Run Away” From Fighting Him
It’s been three years since the incident in London and he’s been dodging me ever since.”
The “incident in London”, of course, was a brief altercation backstage in 2019 between Edwards and Masvidal. Masvidal landed a few punches, which “Street Jesus” nicknamed a “three piece and soda”. The pair have exchanged barbs via social media and the press ever since, but have yet to face off in the Octagon.
“I believe he’s a fraud and he’s doing what he needs to get out of the fight. He knows that once he loses to me, where does he go?
I always felt he was a fake, he’s a fraud. I knew this going into the fight that he’s a fake. He had like a good year, year and a half that he had the (Darren) Till knockout, the Ben Askren knockout, and that kind of propelled him.
But apart from that, he’s nothing but a journeyman. Every time he fights more than likely he’s probably gonna lose. My opinion hasn’t changed much. I knew what I knew and now the fans are getting to see it. Now it’s clear as day that he’s not who he pretends to be.”
Edwards believes that, without Masvidal to fight, the only option left for him is Kamaru Usman, the champ. “I feel [the UFC] sees it.
They now believe I am well-deserving. There is no one else for Usman to fight. I’m the guy saying ‘yes’ all the time. I’m the guy fighting. I feel the promotion and I am on the same page, let’s say that.”
Edwards fought Usman once in 2015, and neither man has lost a fight since, although Usman’s title reign has showcased serious improvement and a terrifying command of striking and wrestling prowess.
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