History of Leon Edwards in Timeline

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

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

August 1991: Leon Edwards Born

In August 1991, Leon Edwards was born in England. He is a professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Welterweight Champion.

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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. This led to his involvement in criminal activities.

2010: Amateur debut

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

2011: Turned Pro

In 2011, Leon Edwards began his professional career as a mixed martial artist.

November 2014: UFC Debut

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

April 2015: Victory Against Seth Baczynski

In April 2015, Leon Edwards faced Seth Baczynski at UFC Fight Night 64 and won the fight via KO in the first round, earning 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, winning the fight via unanimous decision.

December 2015: Loss to Kamaru Usman

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

May 2016: Victory Against Dominic Waters

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

October 2016: Victory Against Albert Tumenov

In October 2016, Leon Edwards faced Albert Tumenov at UFC 204, winning 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, winning the fight by unanimous decision.

September 2017: Victory Against Bryan Barberena

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

March 2018: Victory Against Peter Sobotta

In March 2018, Leon Edwards faced Peter Sobotta at UFC Fight Night 127, winning the fight via TKO in the third round.

June 2018: Victory Against Donald Cerrone

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

March 2019: Victory Against Gunnar Nelson and Backstage Altercation

In March 2019, Leon Edwards won his bout against Gunnar Nelson by split decision at UFC Fight Night 147. Following the event, Edwards was punched backstage by Jorge Masvidal, resulting in 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 at UFC on ESPN 4, winning the fight via unanimous decision.

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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, but the fight was cancelled due to COVID-19 related restrictions.

October 2020: Removed from UFC Rankings

In October 2020, after a 425-day hiatus, the UFC removed Leon Edwards from the UFC rankings due to inactivity.

December 2020: Fight with Chimaev Postponed

In December 2020, Leon Edwards was scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Fight Night 183, but the fight was postponed due to both fighters testing positive for COVID-19.

January 2021: Rescheduled Fight with Chimaev Cancelled

In January 2021, Leon Edwards' rescheduled fight with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Fight Night 185 was cancelled after Chimaev pulled out due to lingering effects of COVID-19.

March 2021: No Contest Against Belal Muhammad

In March 2021, Leon Edwards fought Belal Muhammad at UFC Fight Night 187. The fight was declared a no contest after Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye, ending his 8-fight win streak.

May 2021: Fight against 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 with Jorge Masvidal Scrapped

In December 2021, Leon Edwards was scheduled to face Jorge Masvidal at UFC 269, but 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. Edwards won the fight and title via knockout in the fifth round, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

March 2023: Victory Against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286

In March 2023, Leon Edwards had a third fight with Kamaru Usman at UFC 286, winning the bout via majority decision. Despite a point deduction in the third round, Edwards showed significant improvement.

December 2023: Victory Against Colby Covington at UFC 296

In December 2023, Leon Edwards faced Colby Covington at UFC 296, winning the fight via unanimous decision in the main event.

July 2024: Championship Loss to Belal Muhammad

In July 2024, Leon Edwards faced Belal Muhammad in a rematch at UFC 304 and lost the championship via unanimous decision, marking his first loss in nine years.

March 2025: Loss to Sean Brady

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