UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes stepping up to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 could be a golden opportunity for Leon Edwards. With welterweight champion Belal Muhammad sidelined by a foot infection, Bisping thinks Edwards is the right choice to fill in and make a strong comeback in the division.
Originally, Rakhmonov, who boasts a flawless record of 18-0 (6-0 UFC), was set to challenge Muhammad on December 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With Muhammad now out, Rakhmonov is looking for a new opponent, even lobbying for former champion Kamaru Usman. However, Bisping suggested Edwards might be a better fit.
“For Leon Edwards, this does everything,” Bisping shared on his YouTube channel. “You beat Shavkat Rakhmonov, you are the man. You step up, you are the man. You beat this man that’s finishing everybody, what does that do for you? Well, then you’re right back in the title conversation.”
Michael Bisping Urges Leon Edwards to Step Up Against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310
Bisping explained how a win over Rakhmonov could set Edwards up for a potential rematch with Muhammad. “In fact, you will be probably getting a rematch against Belal Muhammad, and they will probably do that in America,” he said.
Discussing the benefits of a stateside rematch, Bisping noted, “So, there wouldn’t be that crazy time difference, and that was what Leon pointed to.” According to Bisping, Edwards would also see this as a chance to redeem himself:
“He wants to get his hands on Belal Muhammad once again. He wants to right the wrongs.”
Bisping highlighted the stakes for Edwards in returning to the top of the division:
“He wants to prove to the world and to himself that he’s the better man. But more importantly, to get back to becoming the welterweight champion of the world,” Bisping explained.
Since his title loss to Muhammad at UFC 304 in July, Edwards has mostly stayed quiet. But immediately after the fight, he declared he would “get this back in blood,” signaling his determination to bounce back.
Bisping also commented on the potential for an interim title, noting that it may not be necessary as Muhammad expects to recover within six weeks. In Bisping’s view, “There’s no need for an interim belt.”
What do you think of this call from Michael Bisping? Should Leon Edwards consider this? Let us know in the comments!
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