Challenges Faced by Leon Edwards: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Leon Edwards faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

October 2004: Father's Death

In October 2004, when Leon Edwards was 13 years old, his father, Rufus Edwards, was shot and killed in a nightclub in Croydon, London.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.