‘It’s my era’ – Leon Edwards vows to rule of UFC’s WW division for several years after beating Usman in UFC 286 trilogy
LEON EDWARDS has vowed to reign as UFC welterweight champion for years to come after closing the book on his rivalry with Kamaru Usman.
‘Rocky’ retained his 170lbs crown with a points victory in their trilogy fight at UFC 286, which topped the bill of a sold-out O2 Arena early yesterday morning.
GETTYLeon Edwards retained his welterweight title at the O2 Arena on Saturday night[/caption]
GETTYRocky defeated rival Kamaru Usman in their UFC 286 trilogy fight to notch his first title defence[/caption]
GETTYAnd he’s confident he’ll sit on top of the division for years to come[/caption]
Edwards, 31, silenced critics of his last-gasp title victory last August with a stunning display of pinpoint striking and incredible takedown defence.
And the Brummie is now hellbent on building a lasting legacy following back-to-back wins over the sport’s former pound-for-pound king.
He said: “It’s every kid’s dream to live this moment tonight.
“I said it all this week, I truly believe this is my era.
“It’s been a long time that I haven’t lost a fight. Seven or eight years.
“I feel like my life and the journey that I took helped me to prepare for these moments and I truly believe this is my time now.”
UFC boss Dana White wants Edwards back at the O2 in July for a showdown against former interim champion Colby Covington.
But the slick southpaw insists the Donald-Trump-loving American isn’t worthy of the next crack at his belt.
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Britain’s second UFC titleholder said: “I don’t know how that makes sense.
“He hasn’t fought for over a year and a half. Sat out not injured.
“I don’t get how he just slides in for a world title shot when there are other guys in the division that have been active.”
Edward’s sights are currently trained on a grudge match with Jorge Masvidal, who attacked him backstage at the O2 four years ago.
He said: “If we are going pay-per-view wise, if Masvidal beats [Gilbert] Burns then that’s the fight to make.
“But I just don’t see how Colby sits out for a year, not injured, and just slides in.
Leon Edwards has set his sights on a grudge match with Kamaru UsmanGetty
“I had to work through 12 fights to get here. When I was trying to get my title shot people were saying, “Who is he?”
“Now I’m the king. And he’s allowed to jump the line? Like I said, I’m the king. I’ll decide who is next.”
‘Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman, 35, is adamant retirement isn’t on the cards and has vowed to claw his way back to a fourth fight with Edwards.
He said: “I think I did enough to win the fight but I knew it was a close fight. Great game plan.
“I’ve always said it from the start, I knew I would see Leon again. I’m not done. I’ll see him again.
“I’ve always given him props for everything he’s been able to accomplish. Much respect.”
