Leon Edwards has his sights set on boxing in the future.
The former UFC welterweight champion is currently focused on regaining his title, which he lost to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in July.
‘Rocky’ recently shared that his immediate goal is to become a two-time champion, either by defeating Muhammad or Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Rakhmonov, who earned a title shot after outpointing Ian Garry at UFC 310 on Saturday, is next in line for the 170lb belt.
As for what comes next, Edwards hinted that a move to boxing could be in his future.
Leon Edwards Hints at Boxing Future, Names Canelo Alvarez as Ideal Opponent
Leon Edwards recently attended a boxing event in his hometown of Birmingham, England, where he witnessed Galal Yafai defeat Sunny Edwards in the main event. Afterwards, the 33-year-old MMA star expressed his ambition to test himself in the boxing ring one day. Edwards talked about this when he said;
“I’ll be fighting in March in London at the O2 Arena, headlining,”
“I don’t know who the opponent is yet, but I’ll find out in the next few weeks. My immediate goal is to get the belt back. Becoming a two-time world champion is my focus right now.”
Edwards expressed his growing interest in boxing when he stated;
“I’d love to [box]. After tonight, I’d definitely love to. But first, my priority is regaining the world title, and then we’ll see what’s next.”
“Ask my coach, I’m a good boxer too. I’d love to test myself in the ring one day. Maybe Misfits Boxing, or just regular boxing. Why not?”
When Leon Edwards was asked about his ideal boxing opponent. Edwards joked about his weight class before naming Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez as a potential rival saying;
“What weight would I be in boxing? Super middleweight? What’s that, Canelo? Yeah, I’ll go with Canelo. Let’s go, Canelo. All good.”
Leon Edwards Seeks High-Profile Opponent for UFC London Main Event
Leon Edwards needs a high-profile win to put himself back into title contention.
To headline UFC London, he’ll also need an opponent with significant name value.
Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov are currently out, as they’re scheduled to fight each other. Kamaru Usman is also unlikely as a fourth fight between him and Edwards seems improbable. Jack Della Maddalena, who is set to fight at UFC 312 in February, is also off the table.
That leaves several top 10 contenders as viable options, including Sean Brady, Ian Garry, Gilbert Burns, or the winner of Colby Covington’s fight with Joaquin Buckley.
Outside the rankings, a grudge match with Jorge Masvidal would be the most enticing UFC London main event.
Only time will tell who Dana White will pair Edwards with next.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
