Will Leon Edwards Be Next To Challenge Belal Muhammad If He Wins At UFC Fight Night 255?

UFC’s Welterweight division is full of stars that deserve to get a title shot. However, Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad have an intense rivalry in this division. Edwards, a former champion, lost his title to Muhammad at UFC 304 in July 2024. The loss adds the total number of losses by Edwards to four. This loss was not only a loss but it also broke his unbeaten streak in UFC’s welterweight division. The streak is valuable as it features win over Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington who were top contenders. 

After his match in July 2024 against Muhammad, now he returns to UFC and is set to fight Sean Brady on March 22, 2025 in London. Taking into account his title aspirations and title shot, the match becomes even more crucial for both the players. 

Current Title Picture in Welterweight Division

Belal Muhammad, who is the current Welterweight champion is scheduled to defend his championship for the first time at UFC 315. The fight will take place on May 11, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. Earlier UFC was looking forward to book Shavkat Rakhmonov, but due to the Nomad’s injury they shifted their attention to Jack Della Maddalena for the title fight. Whatever be the outcome of the match, it will influence the Welterweight division’s trajectory and upcoming potential rematches too.

Implications of Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady Fight on the Welterweight Title

Leon Edwards publicly addressed via Ariel Helwani’s show that his bout against Sean Brady as a number one contender’s match. The match is crucial for both the fighters and crucial from the perspective of a title shot against Muhammad. Their fight could strongly be connected with match making practices where the winner may advance for the welterweight title shot.

In case Brady wins the fight he may become one of the top contenders but may not get a direct title shot ahead of Shavkat Rakhmonov. In case Edwards, he might become the challenger with a win as he is yet to get his rematch after losing the title. However, welterweight is full of top fighters and have to consider these factors too:

Shavkat Rakhmonov: The UFC was looking forward to booking the Nomad for UFC 315 but due to his injury shifted the focus to Maddalena. Like Edwards and Brady, He is also another top contender and waiting for his title chance. The Rakhmonov situation not only complicates the situation but also may be the next to get a title shot irrespective of who wins among Edwards and Brady.

Muhammad’s Response: Belal Muhammad clearly mentioned Rakhmonov as his preference over Edwards and Brady. The Nomad with zero loss in his career and solid defense should be next for the title shot as emphasized by Muhammad. Muhammad shows no interest in a rematch against Edwards if Rakhmonov does not make it and denies the potential possible title match if “Rocky” wins against Brady.

Fight Styles: Both the players have their unique style of play in the ring and their competitiveness will be determined by their fighting style. Edwards is known for his striking and grappling abilities whereas Brady shows exceptional mental strength and resilience in the ring.

Conclusion

Leon Edwards is looking forward for the rematch against Belal Muhammad and a win over Sean Brady at UFC Fight Night London will position himself as the next top contender in the Welterweight division. Whether or not he will get an immediate title shot? The question is still unanswerable due to Muhammad’s statement on his rematch against Edwards and Rakhmonov’s undefeated streak. The final decision would be taken by the UFC officials and all eyes would be on UFC Fight Night London’s main event.