This past weekend at UFC 278, Leon Edwards shocked the world when he knocked out Kamaru Usman to become the welterweight champion. Edwards became the first man to defeat Usman inside the octagon and he did it in the most improbable way.
Down on all scorecards with less than 60 seconds left, he blasted the former champion with a beautifully timed kick. Usman crumbled to the mat and saw his undisputed title reign come to an end. After the fight, plans were already being discussed for the trilogy between the two men.
However, there’s a star in the welterweight division that’s been very loud since this result. That star is the BMF Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (35-16). Masvidal and Edwards have some history that dates back to the night that Masvidal knocked out Darren Till in England.
While Masvidal was doing his post-fight interview, Edwards told him to shut up. Masvidal went over to Edwards and threw a combination that’s become famous as the “Three-Piece and a Soda”. A fight seemed destined to happen but it never came together.
The UFC finally booked the two men against each other last December, however, Masvidal had to pull out due to an injury. Edwards would then get a title shot while Masvidal got a grudge match against former training partner and friend Colby Covington.
Masvidal shouldn’t get UFC title shot
Prior to UFC 278, there seemed to be a lot tying Masvidal to Gilbert Burns. Even Masvidal knew that he didn’t deserve a title shot against Usman given the fact that he’s lost two lopsided fights to Usman. However, when Edwards won, everything changed.
Because of the history between the two men and his own star power, Masvidal and his management started campaigning for a title shot against Edwards. Masvidal is right about one thing in that it would be a money-maker for the current champion.
However, the idea that Masvidal should fight for the title next is laughable. Listen, I’m a huge Masvidal fan. I love the way he fights and I love his personality. A guy like him who is as real as it gets is so good for the UFC. However, not even his star power should warrant a shot.
Masvidal has lost three fights in a row and none of those fights were close. He lost 50-45 to Usman and then was knocked out cold by the former champion. When he returned to face Colby Covington, he was once again dominated and lost every round. You can say that Masvidal has lost the last 12 rounds he’s fought.
Now, if Jorge goes out and beats Gilbert Burns, that honestly could be enough given his star power and their history. But no way should he get a shot now. Three losses in a row should never warrant a UFC title shot regardless of your name or following.
That being said, would I tune into a Masvidal – Edwards fight, you’re damn right I would. I would also be happy for Leon Edwards who would get a fat paycheck. However, even as a Masvidal fan, seeing him fight for the title now just doesn’t sit well. Give Usman his rematch and let Masvidal get a win first.