The Rocky Road to The Top: Why Leon’s London Limelight is Long Overdue
- MMA News Now
- Jan 22, 2020
- 2 min read
By: Joe Streeter
When Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards enters the Octagon at the 02 Arena to take on Tyron Woodley, it will signal the end of him having to unjustifiably endure a spell as an extra in the UFC’s championship picture.
Since his last defeat, which came at the hands of current champion Kamaru Usman in December 2016, the Birmingham striker has been on a tear, acquiring eight consecutive wins and affirming that he belongs at the summit of the welterweight division.
It’s a run that has seen him take on a plethora of the top 170 pound fighters, earning convincing victories over the much feared Vicente Luque and the widely admired Donald Cerrone, before bringing the capital to its feet with a hard fought decision over Gunnar Nelson.
Nonetheless, his most impressive performance came last year when he systematically took apart perennial contender Rafael dos Anjos in San Antonio. In what many regarded as a step up in competition, he utilized superior striking and outclassed his Brasilian counterpart, while also showcasing how well rounded his skillset is by eradicating any possibility of Jiu Jitsu becoming a major factor in the bout.
In spite of him consistently showcasing an elite skill set and apparent ease when it comes to overcoming highly rated contenders, it still felt like Edwards was merely on the cusp of UFC stardom.
However, UFC London represents an undoubted opportunity to not only unlock the metaphorical door to the next level, but to thunder it down in a similar fashion to that of Rampage Jackson back in season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter.
If ‘Rocky’ can extend his winning run with a win over Woodley in London, the spotlight that shines on him substantially brightens and a myriad of opportunities open up for the Englishman.
A potential rematch with the champion will be what the 28-year-old is aiming for, in his last two fights against Nelson and dos Anjos he has utilised strengthened skills in nullifying takedowns, an element of his game that could serve immensely well if he were to rematch ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’.
Furthermore, a heated exchange between Jorge Masvidal and Edwards in London last March has since led to the brewing of a rivalry that’s seemingly destined to culminate in the cage.
There has never been a more fruitful time for Edwards to finally garner the recognition he warrants at welterweight, the resurgence of Conor McGregor also presents an interesting prospect, whilst it remains impossible to rule out a comeback from the polarizing Colby Covington.
When March 21st arrives, so does an event far more significant than just a second consecutive main event for Edwards, if he can defeat one of the greatest welterweights of all time, it becomes impossible for him to be dismissed by the UFC’s top tier fighters. His role in the most compelling division in the sport goes from that of an extra to a mainstage star.
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