It’s been a disappointing 2020 for Leon
Edwards, to say the least.
A scheduled headlining clash with Tyron
Woodley on home soil in March was canceled, and more recently,
Edwards was forced to withdraw from a main event showdown with
red-hot prospect Khamzat
Chimaev at UFC Fight Night 183 on Dec. 19. In both cases,
COVID-19 was to blame. In the first instance, the onset of the
pandemic brought the UFC’s slate of events to a screeching halt,
and the second time around, the a difficult bout with the virus
itself left Edwards no choice but to exit the card.
The welterweight contender released a statement regarding the
cancellation of the UFC Fight Night 183 headliner on Twitter.
“Another setback, but when you come from the mud you learn to put
everything in perspective,” Edwards wrote. “This virus has affected
many lives and families much worse than mine. Looking forward to
getting this rebooked soon, thank you all for the well wishes.”
Another setback, but when you come from the
mud you learn to put everything in perspective. This virus has
affected many lives and families much worse than mine. Looking
forward to getting this rebooked soon, thank you all for the well
wishes— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma)
December 2, 2020
The promotion is reportedly planning to rebook Edwards vs. Chimaev
early next year. The 29-year-old Edwards is currently on an
eight-fight winning streak in UFC competition but hasn’t fought
since outpointing Rafael dos
Anjos in the UFC on ESPN 4 main event in July 2019.