[autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] is setting his sights on title gold.
After [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] withdrew Wednesday from their scheduled UFC 269 bout, a disappointed Edwards (19-3 MMA, 11-2 UFC) expressed his lack of surprise in a tweet hours later – and turned his attention to welterweight titleholder [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag].
Upon the official announcement of Masvidal’s withdrawal, UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell did not specify whether or not Edwards would remain on UFC 269.
In the wake of the news, a trio of top contenders, including Khamzat Chimaev, Gilbert Burns, and Belal Muhammad, flocked to social media to publicly raise their hands to step in. However, Edwards’ tweet indicates he’s focused on a title shot next – not one of them.
“Disappointed but honestly I knew this fraud didn’t want to fight me anyway,” Edwards wrote. “He was just a stop off on the way to the title. The goal remains the same. Much needed family time now, @usman84kg I will see you soon.”
Disappointed but honestly I knew this fraud didn't want to fight me anyway. He was just a stop off on the way to the title. The goal remains the same. Much needed family time now, @usman84kg i will see you soon.
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) November 10, 2021
Edwards, 36, currently rides a 10-fight unbeaten streak. The stretch includes wins over Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Anjos, and Gunnar Nelson among others. If Edwards does get the next crack at Usman (20-1 MMA, 15-0 UFC), it’ll be a rematch. The two fought each other in December 2015 in what was Usman’s second promotional appearance and Edwards’ fourth.
Usman, 34, competed Saturday at UFC 268 when he defeated rival Colby Covington via unanimous decision. The win marked Usman’s fifth-straight title defense.
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