Dana White issues statement on Leon Edwards’ next fight after shock UFC 304 loss to Belal Muhammad
DANA WHITE has announced that Leon Edwards WON’T be getting an immediate trilogy fight with Belal Muhammad.
The Brummie’s reign as the UK’s second UFC champion came to a spectacular end in the main event of UFC 304 early this morning.
Edwards was dominated by Muhammad’s suffocating wrestling for the best part of five rounds on his way to a unanimous decision loss.
The 32-year-old is hoping to land an immediate shot at redemption, although White has nixed those plans.
In the post-fight press conference, he said: “Let him rest, we’re talking about other things right now.”
When asked if Edwards’ performance was down to the card’s late start time, White said: “I have no clue why he [lethargic].
“You’re gonna have to ask Leon how he felt and what was going on.
“I know Belal was training with training with Khabib – so his performance was what you would expect.”
Edwards cut a dejected figure in the early hours of the morning but was quick to give Muhammad his flowers.
He said: “I’m not surprised [I lost]. My body just felt tired from round one.
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“All week, I’ve been feeling just tired from the timing.
“But I want to say congrats to Belal, he got the job done. And we’ll get it back again.”
He added: “I’d like to get one more fight in this year. Whenever the UFC want. November or December, I’m ready to go.
“One more this year, I’m ready to go.”
An emotional Muhammad said of his stunning title upset: “It sounds like all the people booing right now got a lot of tears coming out of their eyes.
“I see you guys with watery eyes right now.
“This is for my family, for my people in Palestine.”