Lead commentator Jon Anik believes that while Leon Edwards has the potential for “superfights” and moving up weight classes, his legacy would be better solidified by continuing to defend his title within his own welterweight division, starting with his upcoming fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304.
If Leon Edwards can defeat Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, lead commentator Jon Anik sees plenty of competition ahead in his division.
Edwards and Muhammad will close the show at Saturday’s pay-per-view event in Manchester. With all the chatter about “superfights” and two-division champions, Edwards has joined the conversation about moving up to 185 pounds. He might even challenge for the middleweight title or face lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
For Anik, as impressive as being on a short list of UFC two-division champs can be, he believes putting together a run of defenses in your own division is more valuable.
“I’m so happy to get this question and answer a question about Leon Edwards’ legacy, not necessarily about a superfight,” Anik told MMA Fighting. “All these guys, monetarily, if that’s a big deal and the difference, deserve that superfight. But Kamaru Usman is a legend with crazy ice on his left wrist and a great checking account balance because he didn’t move up; he sustained and continued to defend in the welterweight division and chase records.”
“So oftentimes, I think dynasties and long-reigning champions are really how legacies are made. And I think Leon Edwards is potentially on the cusp of that.”
Edwards captured the title with an insane fifth-round knockout of Usman at UFC 278 in August 2022. Since then, he has successfully defended the belt against Usman again and former interim champ Colby Covington.
Anik understands how impressive those wins are, along with Edwards’ near-decade-long unbeaten streak. Adding some rising names from a loaded talent pool at 170 could take Edwards to a top-tier level.
“The type of scalps he could leave in his wake — like the ever-deserving Belal Muhammad or potentially undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov — who is all the rage with men and women alike,” Anik said. “Or Ian Machado Garry, who is brash but probably as good as every word that comes out of his mouth. Or Jack Della Madalena with an entire country that absolutely eats this sport three meals a day behind him. It’s a tremendous time to be Leon Edwards.”
Edwards is a sizable favorite to retain his title against Muhammad — who, like Edwards, is in the midst of a double-digit fight unbeaten streak. “Remember the Name” gets his first shot at UFC gold after dominating past title challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 in May 2023.
Anik calls Saturday’s action on the broadcast alongside former champs Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping. He’s quite fascinated by Edwards continuing his long-term résumé-building process along with this matchup with Muhammad.
“If you believe in Leon like I do skill for skill, there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be favored to beat all these amazing fighters,” Anik explained. “So excited to see what he can do.”
“It stands to reason we’re getting the best versions of both these guys [at UFC 304], and I can’t f*cking wait.”