Leon Edwards defeating Kamaru Usman in a welterweight title bout in the last round of the fight at UFC 278 was a wonderful underdog story of 2022. It was said that the two will meet again inside the cage this year.
Even UFC president Dana White approved the championship rematch, which was said to take place in Edwards’ native London, England. Fight fans, however, are now worried about the match after spotting Kamaru Usman’s injury in a recent video. In the event that a fight didn’t take place, they were also eager to recommend opponents.
Fans suggest Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, and Khamzat Chimaev as backup opponents
After the conclusion of UFC 278, it was sure that ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ would be next in line for the welterweight title, given his record. However, after the match, Usman revealed his hand injury.
Although the former champion has gone through surgery, a few months back, it seems he hasn’t fully recovered. Recently, Usman attended Face Off Fight Night 3 and was seen wearing a cast on his hand.
uhhhh so are we sure that it’s going to be Leon Edwards vs Usman in London because look at his hand pic.twitter.com/kvbQwNe01P
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 2, 2023
After witnessing this, fans were quick to believe that his trilogy with Edwards was at risk. Previously, even the welterweight star Stephen Thompson put out a rumor about the trilogy getting postponed because of the injury.
Check out the comments from fans below:
Heard through the grapevine that UFC looking to offer @Leon_edwardsmma… @TheNotoriousMMA at #UFC286 for the WW Championship.
Reading between the lines, I assume McGregor would take 1 USADA test in February then UFC waver the 6 month window, similar to Lesnar x Hunt.
— Dan | 3 Hit U (@Dan3HitU) January 2, 2023
I can seriously see a path where Usman doesn’t get the belt back. Leon vs Jorge. Leon wins so they make Leon vs Chimaev. Chimaev wins so they make Chimaev vs Usman and Chimaev wins.
— Josh Eberhart (@JPE_814) January 2, 2023
He’s always had hand problems? He fought Colby the first time with a broken hand. This isn’t news
— Iwatchfightsfr (@iwatchfightsfr) January 2, 2023
If they can’t book Khamzat vs Colby, either of them vs Leon in London would still be a solid PPV main event. I’m sure Colby would have some lovely things to say about the Brits at the presser.
— NFL Commenter (@nflcommenter10) January 2, 2023
Actually pretty sure it won’t be Usman… likely Masvidal taking another L
— Taladrohumano (@MangrumRod) January 2, 2023
Khamzat will get the fight, not Masvidal
— TLOA (@LOAlkebulan) January 2, 2023
Can McGregor get a shot at the welterweight title?
Yes, when it comes to McGregor, it is highly possible in the UFC. The former double champion is a cash cow of the promotion. Thus, he has been favored a number of times in skipping the line.
Also, McGregor has a better record in the welterweight category than lightweight. Moreover, he previously expressed his interest in fighting for the welterweight title to ultimately became the first fighter to win a gold strap in three divisions.
Currently, ‘The Notorious’ is back to training and has stated that he will be in the USADA testing pool in February. Hence, we can expect a comeback in the fourth quarter of the year.
Do you think McGregor will fight in the welterweight c
