UFC champion Leon Edwards ready to defend welterweight title against Conor McGregor and slams rival Jorge Masvidal

UFC champion Leon Edwards has opened the door to defending his title against Conor McGregor… and hit out at rival Jorge Masvidal.

Edwards dethroned Kamaru Usman off the top of the welterweight and pound-for-pound rankings with a stunning knockout in August.

The British star is now sitting pretty as he plots his first defence of the 170lb title.

It comes after Paradigm Sports management stable-mate McGregor, 34, confirmed plans to move up to welterweight for his return.

Edwards, 30, told Sky Sports: “Conor would be one that would be easy to make.

“We’re managed by the same management team. I think for me, whoever comes, comes.”

McGregor has suffered consecutive losses at lightweight to Dustin Poirier, 33, the man he KOd at featherweight in 2014.

The most recent came in their trilogy bout in July 2021 which ended in disaster for the Irishman, who broke his leg in round one.

McGregor has since undergone surgery and built towards a comeback fight, set for next year.

Meanwhile, Edwards enjoyed stardom overnight after a head kick KO in the final round of his title fight against Usman, 35.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

One man waiting in the wings is Masvidal, 37, who in 2019 was involved in a backstage brawl with Edwards.

The American lost twice on the spin against Usman and most recently against arch nemesis Colby Covington, 34, in March.

Edwards said: “Masvidal is one I definitely want to have, but because he keeps losing it’s difficult to make it make sense for the company.

“Even for the fans to sell it. I know it will probably sell as far as the backstory.”