2020 has been a very frustrating year for the UFC‘s third ranked welterweight. Leon Edwards (18-3) was originally supposed to take on former champion, Tyron Woodley, back in March. Edwards would be entering that contest on an eight fight winning streak.
The general thought was that if Edwards won, he would be getting a UFC title shot. A week before the event was set to take place, the pandemic shut down the UFC‘s production and the Edwards – Woodley fight was cancelled.
The UFC decided to move the fight to May. However, due to the shutdown in the UK, Edwards was unable to train or travel. Gilbert Burns was given the shot and he ended up dominating Tyron Woodley.
Jorge Masvidal was originally supposed to fight Kamaru Usman for the title, however, that fight fell apart. The UFC called Edwards to see if he’d be able to take the fight, but due to the shutdowns, he had to pass up the opportunity.
The UFC then turned to Gilbert Burns and gave him the title shot. Burns came down with COVID and the promotion ultimately ended up going back to Jorge Masvidal to headline UFC 251 against Kamaru Usman.
After Usman defeated Masvidal, the promotion announced that Gilbert Burns was the number one contender. Meanwhile, Leon Edwards has been sitting on the sidelines waiting for his chance.
UFC title eliminator
While all of this was going on, Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) was taking the world by storm. Chimaev has fought three times since July and he’s dominated everyone that the UFC has put in front of him.
The promotion was really struggling to book Chimaev in a headliner because nobody wanted to fight him. The promotion was also struggling to get Leon Edwards a fight. Edwards wanted a top contender or a title shot.
However, all of the top contenders were booked and the title fight was booked. Due to inactivity, Edwards was actually briefly removed from the UFC‘s rankings. Shortly after, a frustrated Edwards called for the fight nobody wanted.
The UFC then booked Edwards against the rising star, Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev is not currently ranked while Edwards is in the top three. However, given the hype, this is a fight that can put Edwards over the top.
In fact, Edwards told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani he’s been promised a title shot if he wins. Edwards said, “That’s been mentioned (a title shot). I believe that I’m going to get that title shot after I beat him (Chimaev).”
It’s a crazy fight, but it’s been a crazy year. It’s odd to think, but whoever wins on December 19th is likely going to get a shot at the UFC‘s welterweight champion. Leon Edwards can finally get his shot, or Khamzat Chimaev will show the world just how special he really is.