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Leon Edwards Reveals Potential Opponent

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 9:29 AM ET

Losing streaks are never easy. Especially for elite level fighters. For the first time in his professional MMA career, Leon Edwards finds himself in unfamiliar territory: back-to-back losses.

The former UFC welterweight champion lost his title in a hard-fought battle against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, marking the end of his reign atop the division. Things went from bad to worse in March at UFC Fight Night 255, where Edwards suffered a dominant submission loss to rising contender Sean Brady in the main event.

Leon Edwards is eyeing a fight with Ian Machado Garry this year. Says it’s a good fight and it’s the fight he’s mentioned to the UFC. pic.twitter.com/hCbpOLTH3g

— Clement (@88cIement) July 5, 2025

The former UFC welterweight champion, once seen as one of the most consistent and technically sound fighters in the division, is now determined to right the ship. According to sources close to his camp, Edwards is actively looking to return to the Octagon and he already has a specific opponent in mind. While Leon Edwards has stayed relatively quiet publicly, behind the scenes he’s focused on rebuilding momentum, silencing doubters, and making another push toward title contention.

Next opponent?

Ian Machado Garry has taken public shots at Leon Edwards (22–5 MMA, 14–4 UFC). Questioning whether the former champion still has the hunger to compete at the highest level following his recent losses.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Edwards confirmed that Machado Garry (16–1 MMA, 9–1 UFC) is the opponent he’s actively asking the UFC to book for his comeback.

“That would be a good fight,” Edwards said. “Definitely. That’s the fight I’ve mentioned to the UFC. I think that would be a great fight to get back in there. So, hopefully we can get that one done this year.”

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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