UFC champion Leon Edwards opens door to Conor McGregor title fight after trilogy win over Kamaru Usman
LEON EDWARDS is open to a title fight with Conor McGregor – so long as the UFC legend proves himself.
Edwards, 31, retained his welterweight crown with a points victory over Kamaru Usman at the O2 Arena.
His win at UFC 286 came just six months after his head kick knockout, which levelled the rivals in their series at the time.
McGregor had planned to travel to London to watch the trilogy decider after revealing his intentions to fight for the 170lb title.
The Irishman ultimately no-showed but he has burst on to Edwards’ radar nonetheless.
He said: “Anyone can get it. Prove your case in the division and I’ll give you a title shot.
“I want to be an active champion. I’m only young, you know?
“I want to be fighting and if you prove your case, then I’ll fight you — and that’s it.”
McGregor, 34, is set to return this year for the first time since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier, also 34, in July 2021.
And Michael Chandler, 36, is the man welcoming him back to the octagon having coached on The Ultimate Fighter against each other.
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McGregor has called for the fight to take place at welterweight despite the pair being ranked in the lightweight division.
Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White named Colby Covington, 35, as the No1 contender for Edwards’ belt.
Covington has not fought since beating friend-turned arch rival Jorge Masvidal, 37, in March of last year.
It leaves Edwards less than impressed as he commented: “I don’t know how that makes sense.
“He hasn’t fought for over a year and a half, sat out, not injured.
“I don’t get how he slides in for the world title shot when there are other guys in the division that have stayed active and haven’t sat out.
“I’m the king now, I’ve earned my way so I feel as though I should decide who is next.”