Leon Edwards’ Next Fight: Muhammad, Rakhmonov, or Makhachev?

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Having made light work of Colby Covington at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 2023, all eyes are now on Leon Edwards’ next fight.

Indeed, Rocky’s dominant points win in Sin City left the world in no doubt about who the king of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s welterweight division is. 

The question is, can anyone dethrone Edwards whose win over Covington at UFC 296 took his winning streak to 12?

The good news for UFC fans is that 2024 will bring with it the answer to these questions after Edwards confirmed that he will fight twice in the coming year. 

The first of these two bouts will, in all likelihood, take place on Saturday the 13th of April in Las Vegas during UFC 300 after Edwards confirmed that he planned to fight on this landmark card. 

There is less information on the proposed venue and date for Edwards’ second match in 2024. However, the Jamaican-born fighter has expressed his desire for it to take place in the summer at Villa Park which is the home of his favorite soccer club, Aston Villa.

This is certainly one to watch as Edwards eyes a sentimental homecoming in Birmingham. 

As for the opponents, while none have been confirmed, these contenders could share the Octagon with Edwards in 2024. 

Who is Leon Edwards Fighting Next?

Belal Muhammad

It is certainly a matter of when and not if Edwards fights Belal Muhammad. At least, mixed martial arts (MMA) fans will remember that these two squared up in the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 187 in Las Vegas in March 2021.

On that occasion, the match was declared a no-contest shortly after the second round began following an accidental eye poke by Edwards. 

Almost three years on from their abandoned showdown, the clamor for a rematch has risen to deafening levels as both fighters have racked up impressive winning records since. Muhammad has gone 5-0 while Edwards has gone 4-0.

Out of all the potential matches for Edwards in 2024, a long-overdue dust-up with Muhammad seems the most obvious. 

Shavkat Rakhmonov

If Shavkat Rakhmonov were to go head-to-head with Edwards then the Uzbekistani fighter would have to skip the line of mandatory challengers who are eying up a showdown with the current welterweight champion.

However, this isn’t a scenario outside the realms of reality owing to the tsunami-like waves that Rakhmonov is making in the welterweight division. 

The 29-year-old has a perfect career record so far having recorded 18 wins in as many fights. While these numbers make for impressive reading, it is the stats that makeup Rakhmonov’s method of victory that could pave the way for an immediate fight with Edwards. 

Incredibly, Rakhmonov has stopped all 18 of his opponents with ten wins coming by way of submission while eight have been recorded by knockout (KO).

Essentially, there are no half-measures with a fighter as explosive as Rakhmonov which is why he might be fast-tracked to the front of the line to fight Edwards in 2024. 

Islam Makhachev

Regarding Leon Edwards’ next fight opponents, Islam Makhachev is the least likely but also the most intriguing. 

In short, Makhachev wasn’t an opponent that Edwards would have had in his periphery until the Russian called him out on X, formerly known as Twitter, while UFC 296 was ongoing.

It was during Edwards’ match with Covington when Makhachev took to the social media site to state in no uncertain terms that he would beat both fighters. 

With Makhachev now boasting a 13-match unbeaten run while Edwards is on 12, you might be tempted to ask why such a box-office fight is unlikely.

The answer is simple: Makhachev fights in the lightweight division while Edwards competes in the welterweight class. To add to that, UFC president Dana White is not keen on his two prized fighters meeting in the Octagon and would prefer them to continue to dominate their respective divisions. 

However, with Makhachev saying that he will happily make the step up to welterweight and Edwards becoming increasingly annoyed at the Russian’s unflattering commentary on social media, you would be minded not to dismiss this fight as impossible.

What to Expect in Leon Edwards’ Next Fight?

After 12 consecutive victories, it’s become common practice these days to expect a win in Leon Edwards’ next fight.

Of course, all three of the aforementioned opponents would present Rocky with a stern challenge. There will be the threat Muhammad’s wrestling poses, Rakhmonov’s KO ability, or Makhachev’s superior grappling. Edwards will undoubtedly face the biggest test of his career to date.

Notwithstanding this, Edwards shows time and time again the muscular professionalism needed to win matches in the Octagon. Think about his recent walk-in-the-park unanimous points victory against Covington. Or his spectacular KO head kick against Kamaru Usman when all hope looked lost. Edwards’ ability to adapt and conquer any challenge means he’ll go into his next fight as favorite. 

Bet on Leon Edwards’ Next Fight with BetVictor CA

At BetVictor, we’re just as excited as you to see how Leon Edwards’ next fight goes after Rocky established a 12-match winning streak at UFC 296. Can Edwards keep this up or will a new champion emerge from the shadows? 

Only time will tell but when Edwards’ next opponent is announced, we’ll offer you odds on every eventuality. 

From competitive match prices, in-depth fight markets, and generous promotions, we’ll have you covered when Edwards defends his welterweight championship in 2024.

While excitement is at fever pitch for Edwards’ next match, it’s always important to take time to think before betting which is why we advise you to read our Safer Gambling page. Here, you will find tried-and-tested methods of staying in control when betting on the UFC.

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