16 March 2023 , 23:35
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Leon Edwards would be open to defending his UFC welterweight title against Conor McGregor if he gets past Kamaru Usman in their trilogy fight.
Edwards, 31, looks to make the first defence of his 170b belt at UFC 286 this Saturday since winning it against Usman with a last-gasp knockout in their rematch last August. 'Rocky' was losing most of his second fight against Usman before landing a devasting head kick with less than a minute remaining. The scores between the rivals are now one apiece heading into the third meeting, with Usman decisively winning their first fight in 2015.
With McGregor eager to make a title run at welterweight, Edwards said of the potential fight: "As the king, I'll welcome all challengers. So whoever comes can get it." Usman said of facing McGregor. Usman was also asked about facing McGregor if he gets past Edwards, to which he replied: "I've always said I'll welcome it, so if it happens it happens."
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McGregor's comeback fight later this year against Michael Chandler is set to take place at welterweight and the Irishman has campaigned for a title shot if wants a title shot if he gets past 'Iron', stating on The MMA Hour. "I'd like a welterweight title shot. I am definitely ready for 170lb. I'd like to see myself in there again and see what happens with that division. I'd like to get in and see what's going on in there.
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“I may be present for the card [Edwards v Usman 3], we are making moves at the Black Forge in London, so I was scheduled to go out there so after this, Gunni’s (Gunnar Nelson) also on the card so it would be good to see him live. It would be good to watch that welterweight title for sure."
Leon Edwards is open to facing Conor McGregor (Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Despite McGregor not being ranked at welterweight, Edwards thinks the Irishman's star power would warrant him a title shot at the weight class with just one win. "Yeah sure, like I said I welcome all comers so whoever is next but right now I am focused on Kamaru Usman as I believe he is the toughest challenge in the division. Whoever comes next," he added.
McGregor would become the first UFC fighter in history to win world titles in three weight classes if he claims the 170lb belt having previously found success at featherweight and lightweight. Bookies have Edwards as the betting underdog heading into his third fight against Usman despite handing 'The Nigerian Nightmare' his first loss in almost a decade in their last meeting.