The UFC is reportedly closing in on locking up an expected welterweight title fight this summer in London.
Earlier his month, welterweight king Leon Edwards quieted his many doubters by scoring a second-straight win over division legend Kamaru Usman at UFC 286. His majority decision victory over the former champ made it clear that his August 2022 win was no fluke, and that he is only getting better at just 31 years old.
Related: UFC welterweight rankings – Leon Edwards solidifies hold on top spot at UFC 286
Before the matchup took place, one-time interim champion Colby Covington claimed he was next in line after serving as an alternate for the bout. UFC President Dana White seemed to confirm that likelihood in his post-fight press conference. However, Edwards has made it clear multiple times that he believes “Chaos” is not a worthy challenger to face him for his belt.
Well, it seems that despite his disinterest in the matchup, it is still going to happen. On Friday, Sports Illustrated MMA insider Justin Barrasso reported that the UFC is looking to have a potential matchup between Leon Edward and Colby Covington take place in London. The same site as UFC 286.
On Wednesday, Combat Sports UK reported that the promotion is expected to return to the O2 Arena in London for a card on July 22. The arena has served as the venue for several highly successful cards over the last two years and makes sense to deliver a strong gate for Edwards’ return to the arena that is not far from his home in Birmingham.
The United Kingdom has been one of the UFC’s strongest regional fanbases for some time and the promotion is continuing to mine that devotion during this decade.
Edwards is unbeaten in his last 12 fights while Covington has split his last four, with the two losses being highly competitive bouts against Usman.