'The fight should happen,' Leon Edwards wants BIG money fight at MSG with Conor McGregor post-UFC 304

Edwards (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) runs things back with Muhammad after a whole lot of wallowing and regression from the title shot. While Edwards doesn’t hold him in some sort of contempt, his dismissal of Belal Muhammad is widely known. The latter has gunned for a title opportunity for a while now. However, he quite doesn’t spell the “Conor McGregor” effect.

During the segment, Leon Edwards said that even the top brass dismissed the notion of Muhammad for the epic UFC 300 event last month. Top MMA Journo Dave Schmulenson, a.k.a The Schmo, had already shocked fans with the tidbit of Muhammad not being the top three prospect for Leon Edwards at UFC 300. Identically, the 32-year-old champion now switches to bigger fish – McGregor.

Conor McGregor vs Leon Edwards: The ‘Rocky’ and ‘Notorious’ Dynamic

Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards’ avoidance of Belal Muhammad is one thing. Despite winning efforts against divisional standouts like Gilbert Burns , Stephen Thompson , Vicente Luque , and others, Belal Muhammad has a reputation as a decision-spammer. Overall, he also doesn’t quite bring the consensus buyout and brand value recognition factors that McGregor does.

Another thing is the Renegade MMA staple offers an equal opportunity product in the clash. McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) might boast phenomenal records and UFC’s top Official listings of PPV buyouts. However, the Irishman doesn’t have much groundwork after a three-year layoff.

UFC 303 would mark his first active participation since his 2021 injury. Before the announcement of his UFC 303 comeback, peers and pundits were already considering McGregor could skip the line with a spectacular comeback against Chandler.

Now, the same goes for the move back to welterweight. Stylistically and opportunistically, Edwards is offering him a crack at the gold. Meanwhile, McGregor opens up a world of superstardom and buyout feats for the opponent. Going undefeated at 12-0-1, Edwards remains a good draw as well. With McGregor opting for an active schedule after UFC 303 return, this could just be the match to make.

What do they say of each other?

Conor McGregor returns as a 170lber after years. One numbered card later, the divisional champ Leon Edwards defends the welterweight title. Leon Edwards has already highlighted how potent a fight between them could be. Moreover, he trusts ‘The Notorious’ to get the job done at UFC 303.

‘Rocky’ thinks the prime aggression ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler has had to substantiate this fight will work against his favor. He thinks Chandler is an all-around entertainer. Chandler has a history of fighting recklessly instead of tactically. As such, Edwards expects McGregor to defeat Chandler. Similarly, McGregor also predicted the second fight between Edwards and Muhammad.

There’s too many decisions going on now, with that Leon fella...Leon Edwards loves a decision. And then he’s fighting another fu*king decision guy, your man Belal, so not great times in the welterweight title picture...[on 200,000 pay-per-view buys] probably … not even: 150,000 buys... Conor McGregor via Live kickstream Q&A Session with duelbits.com (H/T Championship Rounds)

Leon Edwards looks to notch his third title defense soon. Both he and Belal Muhammad are on an unbeaten streak. As such, one of them will lose their unbeaten streak at UFC 304. McGregor expects Edwards to come out on top. Will that set up an Edwards vs? McGregor title fight in the future? Chances exist only if McGregor defeats Chandler.