The UFC welterweight division has seen a seismic shift over the previous 12 months, and on the centre of this new panorama is former champion Leon Edwards. The person who as soon as held the division in his grasp is now a high contender on a mission to reclaim the belt. His path again to the highest is ready to start at UFC 322, the place he faces Carlos Prates, however his journey from champion to contender is the actual story gripping the MMA world.
The Finish of a Reign
For practically two years, Leon “Rocky” Edwards sat atop the 170-pound division, efficiently defending his title in opposition to two of the game’s largest names. His reign got here to a stunning finish in July 2024 at UFC 304 in Manchester, the place he was defeated by Belal Muhammad in a gruelling five-round battle. The loss was the primary for Edwards since 2015 and ended an unimaginable 13-fight unbeaten streak. Whereas Edwards had fought an virtually good technical battle in his championship defences, the wrestling-heavy stress from Muhammad was a puzzle he couldn’t resolve on the night time.
You possibly can revisit the highlights of that pivotal title loss right here:
The aftermath of the struggle despatched ripples by means of the welterweight rankings. Belal Muhammad, the brand new champion, was shortly dethroned by rising star Jack Della Maddalena in a dominant efficiency at UFC 315. This created a wholly new pecking order in a division that had been outlined by Edwards’ dominance. With Della Maddalena now on the high and a bunch of recent contenders rising, the trail to a title shot for Edwards is not a straight line.
A New Highway to the Title
Leon Edwards’ return to the Octagon in opposition to rising star Carlos Prates is scheduled for November 15 at UFC 322 in Madison Sq. Backyard. Whereas it is a high-stakes matchup, it’s going to notably be on the undercard of a title struggle between the brand new champion, Jack Della Maddalena, and challenger Islam Makhachev, who’s transferring as much as 170 kilos. It is a clear signal that whereas Edwards remains to be thought of elite, he must string collectively wins to earn his shot on the new champion.
His subsequent struggle is not only a few win; it’s a press release. A dominant efficiency in opposition to a harmful striker like Prates would remind everybody of the talents that made him champion within the first place. Presently ranked because the quantity 4 contender within the division, Edwards’ journey will doubtless require him to get previous different high contenders like Sean Brady or Shavkat Rakhmonov earlier than he can face the winner of Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev.
The Stakes for Edwards’ Legacy
For Leon Edwards, this new chapter in his profession is a chance so as to add to his legacy. Only a few fighters have managed to reclaim a title after shedding it, particularly in a division as stacked as welterweight. A profitable comeback wouldn’t solely be a profession spotlight however would additionally cement his place among the many all-time greats. The problem is immense, but when there’s one factor “Rocky” has confirmed all through his profession, it’s his capacity to beat adversity and rise to the event. Your complete MMA world will probably be watching to see if he can do it once more and change into a two-time champion.
His upcoming struggle in opposition to Prates is step one in an extended, troublesome climb, however for a fighter of his calibre, it’s a problem that have to be met head-on.
Key Factors
DetailsDescriptionFormer ChampionLeon Edwards misplaced the UFC welterweight title to Belal Muhammad.The LossDefeated by unanimous choice at UFC 304 in July 2024.Present ChampionJack Della Maddalena, who defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.Present RankingLeon Edwards is ranked because the #4 contender within the welterweight division.Subsequent FightScheduled to face Carlos Prates at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Is Leon Edwards nonetheless the UFC champion?No, Leon Edwards is not the UFC welterweight champion. He misplaced the title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in July 2024.Who’s the present UFC welterweight champion?The present UFC welterweight champion is Jack Della Maddalena, who received the title by defeating Belal Muhammad in Might 2025.When and the place is Leon Edwards’ subsequent struggle?Leon Edwards is scheduled to struggle Carlos Prates at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, at Madison Sq. Backyard.What’s the significance of Edwards’ subsequent struggle?This struggle is essential for Edwards to show he’s nonetheless a high contender. A win would hold him on the trail to problem for the title once more, whereas a loss might put his profession legacy unsure.
