Michael Chiesa on Leon Edwards: 'Sometimes the people that are the most skilled go for it the least'

Michael Chiesa thinks Leon Edwards’ well-rounded skillset performs to his detriment.

Welterweight champion Edwards (22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC) retained his belt in a lackluster unanimous choice win over Colby Covington at UFC 296.

Edwards’ efficiency was criticized by many, particularly with Covington trying rusty after virtually two years off. Chiesa theorizes that Edwards’ conservative exhibiting may have come as a result of he was in agency management of the combat towards Covington.

“He undoubtedly slowed down within the Colby combat,” Chiesa stated on his “Spherical-Up” present with Paul Felder. “He didn’t even get a classic Colby tempo. I believe Leon isn’t underrated, skill-wise. I believe if anybody underrates his expertise, then they don’t know what the hell they’re speaking about with regards to blended martial arts. There’s not an individual I’ve talked to who says he lacks within the talent division. However on the flip facet of that, typically the folks which might be essentially the most expert go for it the least.

“When a man has perhaps deficits in his expertise, they’re extra liable to placing themselves  – it’s important to put your self in hurt’s approach typically to get a end. While you’re like Leon, the right head kick KO like he had towards Kamaru (Usman), they’re undoubtedly counter strikes. Generally it’s important to simply not attempt to be so expert and simply take an opportunity. Actually expert guys will likely be actually reserved as an alternative of placing themselves on the market.”

Chiesa in contrast Edwards to former UFC dual-champion Georges St-Pierre, who acquired most of his wins by choice, however reigned over the welterweight division for greater than 5 years.

“Except (Edwards) landed a great counterstrike to harm you, I don’t see him attempting to drive a chance to create a end,” Chiesa stated. “It’s a kind of issues the place he’s virtually too expert. Generally when somebody is just too expert, they don’t go for it sufficient. They simply attempt to be good – form of like what Georges used to do.”