Career Timeline of Leon Edwards: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Leon Edwards, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Leon Edwards is an English professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's welterweight division. He is a former UFC Welterweight Champion. Edwards has been a professional fighter since 2011, and previously held the BAMMA welterweight title. As of May 13, 2025, he is ranked #4 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2010: First Professional Fight

In 2010, Leon Edwards began his professional fighting career, making his debut as an amateur at Bushido Challenge 2 - A New Dawn. He won against Carl Booth via an armbar submission in round two.

2011: Professional Career Begins

In 2011, Leon Edwards started his professional mixed martial arts career.

November 2014: UFC Promotional Debut

In November 2014, Leon Edwards made his UFC promotional debut against Cláudio Silva at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Saint Preux, where he was defeated via split decision.

April 2015: Victory and Performance of the Night Bonus

In April 2015, Leon Edwards faced Seth Baczynski at UFC Fight Night 64 and won the fight via KO at 0:08 of the first round. This result earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

July 2015: Victory Against Pawel Pawlak

In July 2015, Leon Edwards faced Pawel Pawlak at UFC Fight Night 72. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

December 2015: Loss to Kamaru Usman

In December 2015, Leon Edwards faced Kamaru Usman at UFC on Fox 17. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

May 2016: Victory Against Dominic Waters

In May 2016, Leon Edwards faced Dominic Waters at UFC Fight Night 87. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

October 2016: Victory Against Albert Tumenov

In October 2016, Leon Edwards faced Albert Tumenov at UFC 204. He won the fight via submission in the third round.

March 2017: Victory Against Vicente Luque

In March 2017, Leon Edwards faced Vicente Luque at UFC Fight Night 107. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

September 2017: Victory Against Bryan Barberena

In September 2017, Leon Edwards faced Bryan Barberena at UFC Fight Night 115. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

March 2018: Victory Against Peter Sobotta

In March 2018, Leon Edwards faced Peter Sobotta at UFC Fight Night 127. He won the fight via TKO at 4:59 in the third round.

June 2018: Victory Against Donald Cerrone

In June 2018, Leon Edwards faced Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night 132. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

March 2019: Victory and Backstage Altercation

In March 2019, Leon Edwards faced Gunnar Nelson at UFC Fight Night 147. He won the bout by split decision. After the event, Edwards was punched backstage by Jorge Masvidal, which left Edwards with a laceration under his left eye.

July 2019: Victory Against Rafael dos Anjos

In July 2019, Leon Edwards faced former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC on ESPN 4. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

March 2020: Fight Cancellation Due to COVID-19 Restrictions

In March 2020, Leon Edwards was scheduled to face Tyron Woodley at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards. However, the restrictions related to COVID-19 forced Edwards to withdraw as the event was meant to be moved from London to the United States, and the event was subsequently cancelled.

October 2020: Removed from UFC Rankings Due to Inactivity

In October 2020, after a 425-day hiatus since his bout with Dos Anjos, the UFC had removed Edwards from the UFC rankings due to inactivity.

December 2020: Bout with Khamzat Chimaev Scheduled and Postponed

In December 2020, Leon Edwards was scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Fight Night 183. However, Chimaev allegedly tested positive for COVID-19, which meant the bout was declared on jeopardy. Then, Edwards tested positive for COVID-19 and allegedly lost twelve pounds, so the bout was subsequently postponed.

January 2021: Bout with Khamzat Chimaev Rescheduled and Cancelled Again

In January 2021, the contest between Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 185. However, Chimaev pulled out of the contest due to lingering effects of his own COVID-19 struggle, and the bout was temporarily cancelled.

March 2021: No Contest Against Belal Muhammad

In March 2021, Leon Edwards was scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night 187 against Khamzat Chimaev, but the fight was cancelled. Belal Muhammad became the replacement opponent for Edwards, but the fight was declared a no contest after Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye, snapping his 8-fight win streak.

May 2021: Bout with Nate Diaz

In May 2021, Leon Edwards was expected to face Nate Diaz at UFC 262, marking the first time a non-main event and non-title bout had been scheduled for 5 rounds in UFC history. However, the bout was moved to UFC 263 due to a minor injury sustained by Diaz.

December 2021: Fight Cancellation Against Jorge Masvidal

In December 2021, Leon Edwards was scheduled to face Jorge Masvidal at UFC 269. However, Masvidal withdrew due to injury and the bout was scrapped.

August 2022: UFC Welterweight Championship Victory

In August 2022, Leon Edwards rematched Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 for the UFC Welterweight Championship. After having a successful first round and struggling for the next four, Edwards won the fight and title via knockout in the fifth round, claiming the UFC Welterweight Championship and earning the Performance of the Night award.

March 2023: Victory Against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286

In March 2023, Leon Edwards fought Kamaru Usman for the third time at UFC 286. He won the bout via majority decision, defending 11 of Usman's 15 takedown attempts and out-striking Usman on the feet for most of the fight.

December 2023: Title Defence Against Colby Covington

In December 2023, Leon Edwards faced Colby Covington at UFC 296, successfully defending his title and winning the fight via unanimous decision.

July 2024: Title Loss to Belal Muhammad

In July 2024, Leon Edwards faced Belal Muhammad again at UFC 304. After being taken down throughout the bout, he lost the championship via unanimous decision, which was the first fight he lost in nine years.

March 2025: Loss to Sean Brady at UFC Fight Night 255

In March 2025, Leon Edwards was scheduled to face Jack Della Maddalena but faced Sean Brady instead at UFC Fight Night 255 in London, England. In his first loss via finish, Edwards lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the fourth round.