sport news What's next for Leon Edwards after his striking masterclass against Kamaru ... trends now
Leon Edwards successfully defended his welterweight title for the first time against Kamaru Usman in their trilogy showdown at UFC 286.
'Rocky' stuffed most of Usman's takedown attempts and landed the more brutal blows in the fight to win via decision - with the three judges scoring it 48-46, 48-46 and 47-47 in his favour.
The Brit silenced his critics with his dominant performance against the former champion.
The welterweight division is as strong as it's been for a while, and it is fair to say that Edwards is not short of options going forward.
Sportsmail breaks down what's next for 'Rocky' with many fighters already throwing their name in the hat for a possible showdown.
Leon Edwards put in a striking masterclass to defeat Kamaru Usman last weekend at UFC 286
The Brit successfully defended his title for the first time following the win over Usman
Colby 'Chaos' Covington has not fought since his decision victory against Jorge Masivdal in March 2022.
However, 'Chaos' was the back-up fighter for last weekend's card in London. UFC president Dana White said after Edwards' win that the American would be next for in line to fight Edwards.
White was asked whether he was open to the idea of Covington getting the next title shot, to which he replied: 'Yeah that's the fight that makes sense. Colby Covington came here, cut weight and was ready... he deserves the fight.'
However, it is fair to say that Edwards is not open to the idea of fighting Covington. Speaking at his post-fight interview, Edwards said: 'I don't know how that makes sense. He hasn't fought for over a year and a half. I don't get how he slides in for a world title shot.
'I'm the king now, I've earned my way. I feel like I should decide who's next.'
Colby Covington has not fought since his decision victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272
Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal is another name in with a chance of fighting for the title. Despite currently riding a three-fight losing streak, 'Gambred' has a lot of history with the current welterweight champion.
The two fighters have been tipped to share the octagon since 2019 when they had a backstage altercation following Masvidal's sensational knockout win over Darren Till in London.
Masvidal faces Gilbert Burns in a mouthwatering welterweight showdown at UFC 287 on April 8 - with Edwards keeping a close eye on that fight.
Speaking on that fight, 'Rocky' said: 'Pay-per-view wise if Jorge Masvidal beats Gilbert Burns, that's the fight to make. I had to fight 12 times for a title shot and he said he didn't know who I was. I'm the
