Leon Edwards returns this weekend at UFC Fight Night 254 for a highly anticipated showdown against Sean Brady, in a high-stakes fight with aims to re-establish himself as a top contender in the division. But just days before the big fight, eagle-eyed fans spotted something concerning—a mark on Edwards’ elbow that looked suspiciously like a staph infection.
The internet was quick to explode with speculation. Could this infection throw off his training? Would it affect his performance come fight night? Staph infections are notoriously common where skin-to-skin contact and open wounds are just part of the game.
They have a reputation for derailing fighters’ momentum. Just ask Kevin Lee, who battled a nasty staph infection during his interim title fight against Tony Ferguson back in 2017. Despite putting on a gutsy performance, Lee’s compromised health clearly affected him.
However, Edwards claims to have a handle on the situation.
“I actually did have it, this is what, like 6 weeks ago. Took antibiotics for it, it’s gone. No effects cardio wise or nothing, I’m fine.”, he explained.
Leon Edwards is asked about the staph infection rumors.#UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/2YYBzkSFUF
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 20, 2025
Reassuring words from the former champ, but the fact that he was dealing with an infection at all is bound to raise questions about his readiness. Some fighters are lucky and manage to treat staph before it compromises their performance. Others aren’t so fortunate. Just the mere fact of having to go through a round of antibiotics during a critical training camp is enough to throw a wrench into preparation.
Well, it certainly doesn’t seem to have had an effect on the former welterweight champion’s morale since he was seen laughing along with journalists, and having fun at arch nemesis and 170 lb champion Belal Muhammad’s expense.
Leon blames Belal for ruining media day
The former UFC champion seemed in good spirits just days ahead of his first fight since losing his title last year at UFC 304 in Manchester. He has since continued to beef with Belal, who hasn’t held back at the potshots either.
But as Leon answered the burning questions the media had to ask before his big day, something peculiar happened. The fire alarm went off, asking people not to panic since it was just a test. The entire room of reporters, including Edwards burst out laughing at the incident.
Leon Edwards’ #UFCLondon media day session was derailed by fire alarm testing.
“I feel like Belal did that.” pic.twitter.com/tRkV8Zj5xJ
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 20, 2025
And then it happened again. Every time Leon would try and get back, it would stop, as if to mock him. Something seemed off and quick-witted as he is, Leon squarely blamed everything in Belal
“I was about to run now…I feel like Belal did that.”, he said while bursting out laughing.
Well, at least the staph infection didn’t ruin his sense of humor!
