Morning Report: Leon Edwards doesn’t believe there are any money fights at welterweight: ‘There’s no big star’

Leon Edwards will continue to face big tests as the UFC welterweight champion should he retain the title at UFC 304 this Saturday night in Manchester, England.

Edwards, 32, won the title in epic comeback fashion with the last-minute head kick heard around the world against Kamaru Usman in August 2022. To follow up his incredible effort, he thwarted Usman again in their trilogy before nearly shutting out Colby Covington in a lopsided unanimous decision in December.

The third title defense of Edwards’ reign will be his second reoccurring opponent, Belal Muhammad. However, despite the storyline and unbeaten streaks involved, the matchup hasn’t been viewed as “high profile” and “Rocky” doesn’t foresee any on the horizon.

“I don’t think there’s really any big money fights right now in the welterweight division,” Edwards told Kevin Iole. “Just tough opponents in the division, but there’s no big star that would add more value. Shavkat [Rakhmonov] obviously is a good talent. Everyone’s going on about him. Obviously, Ian Garry, we trained together before. So, there’s a story behind that as well.

“I’m focused on Belal right now. Go out there, take care of business next weekend and after that, let’s see where the cookie crumbles.”

Edwards vs. Muhammad 1 took place inside a crowdless UFC APEX Facility in March 2021. The fight separates each’s records from being flawless in their 10-fight-plus stretches. Unfortunately, an early eye poke in round two halted the action and rendered Muhammad unable to continue. Therefore, the fight was declared a no-contest, separating Edwards’ 13-fight unbeaten streak and Muhammad’s at 10.

Neither fighter has been a notable finisher throughout their recent dominance. They’re undeniably at the heights of their abilities, but after Edwards’ successful first round against Muhammad and looking at their resumes since the first encounter, he expects to put away “Remember the Name.”

“I’m gonna definitely finish,” Edwards said. “I feel like he’s there for it. I feel like he’s tailor-made for me, the way he fights. I’m going for the finish, for sure.

“[Vicente] Luque ain’t the Luque from back in the day, you know? [Stephen] ‘Wonderboy’ [Thompson] ain’t the ‘Wonderboy’ — ‘Wonderboy’s’ 41 now? 40 years old. These are not me. I’m a young 32-year-old and going into my prime, full of confidence, just became champion by knocking out the pound-for-pound No. 1. It’s two different mentalities and two different kind of guys you’re going against. He has improved a little bit, but they’re not me. I feel that is the difference. He knows it, and when we go out there, I’ll show it.”

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LET’S WATCH

The MMA Hour.

UFC 304 Embedded.

Aspinall’s finishes.

Murphy in Manchester.

Anatomy of UFC 304.

Cruz on Edwards vs. Muhammad 2.

LISTEN UP

On To the Next One. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alex K. Lee discuss the matches to make after UFC Vegas 94.

MORNING MUSIC

Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or find one of my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re currently really into. I’ll pick the best one alongside my daily choice and give you a shoutout! You can also share in the comments below — those are just harder to sift through sometimes!

SOCIAL SCROLL DOWN

On the champ’s radar.

Wonderbeef.

Comparisons.

Excuse me, sir.

Backhanded.

Stylish.

Garcia in Japan.

Champ shorts.

Challenge.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trevor Peek (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Yanal Ashmouz (7-1); UFC Vegas 97, Sept. 7

Morgan Charrière (19-10-1) vs. AJ Cunningham (11-4); UFC Paris, Sept. 28

FINAL THOUGHTS

Unfortunately for Leon, he’s right. Do you know what changes that though? Becoming the money fight by establishing yourself as a long-reigning champion. Best of luck, “Rocky.”

Thanks for reading!

EXIT POLL

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