UFC welterweight Leon Edwards has a date for his long-awaited return to the Octagon. UFC President Dana White spoke with MMA Junkie and confirmed reports that Edwards will fight Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC Fight Night’s main event on March 13th. The location for the March 13th event is still unknown.
Edwards last fought at UFC on ESPN 4 on July 20, 2019, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. He defeated Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision to become a top contender in the welterweight division. Edwards was scheduled to fight Tyron Woodley on March 21, 2020, but the UFC canceled the event due to the coronavirus pandemic. The UFC originally tried to have Edwards vs. Chimaev at UFC Fight Night 183 on December 19, 2020, at the UFC Apex Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, Edwards had tested positive for the coronavirus and needed time to recover. Edwards will look to defeat Chimaev and reaffirm his place as a possible number one contender for the welterweight championship.
Chimaev has become a rising prospect in the UFC. He impressed the UFC with his ability and his willingness to compete on short notice. Chimaev made UFC history by defeating John Philips(UFC on ESPN 13) at middleweight and Rhys McKee(UFC on ESPN 14) at welterweight ten days apart. He has only three fights in the UFC but is ranked 14th in the welterweight division. A win over Edwards will push Chimaev to the top of the welterweight division and in the conversation for a championship opportunity.