British UFC star Leon Edwards attacked by welterweight rival Jorge Masvidal backstage

BRITISH UFC star Leon Edwards was attacked by welterweight rival Jorge Masvidal backstage.

The American was celebrating his second round knockout win over Liverpool’s Darren Till with a live interview.

But, when the 27-year-old Birmingham ace walked by, the pair exchanged words and ended up trading blows behind the curtains at the O2 arena.

Moments earlier the 34-year-old former backyard fighter and YouTube cult hero had smashed Scouse star Till senseless.

And his in-octagon interview afterwards was humble and affectionate towards his loved ones watching at home.

But whatever was said between Edwards, nicknamed Rocky, who had beaten Gunnar Nelson on points in the chief-support fight, sparked the ugly outburst.

https://twitter.com/MMABurger/status/1107063920827731968

As Edwards walked past Masvidal’s interview, the pair exchanged words and the US brawler walked away from the camera, barking “come and say it to my face”.

Once in range, Masvidal fired five punches at Edwards, who was pulled back by security and members of his team but manage to aim a kick in Masvidal’s direction.

Edwards’ brother and fellow MMA fighter Fabian appears to be involved in the fracas, wearing a red baseball cap and defending his big sibling.

UFC executive Dave Shaw said it was too early to tell if Masvidal would be financially punished for his actions, after landing a one hundred thousand dollar bonus for the performance of the night.

He said: “I was just shown the video, it looks like an altercation, I do not know how it was instigated.

“First order of business is to ensure safety of the staff and to separate people, that is where we are at right now.

As things progress we will take the next steps.”

When asked if financial sanctions would be taken against the brawlers Shaw revealed UFC boss Dana White would be examining the footage, he added: “It’s too early to tell, it’s all happened in the last 20 minutes, Dana White will review it.”