Leon Edwards Accepted Three Opponents for UFC 300
The UFC had a few issues scheduling a main event for UFC 300. Despite the event being one of the most important cards in the promotion several fighters were unwilling or unable to compete on the date. In a behind-the-scenes look at the original plans for UFC 300, UFC CEO Dana White stated Leon Edwards agreed to fight three different opponents, but none of the bouts came to fruition.
White complimented Edwards’ willingness to fight in his UFC 298 post-fight press conference.
“Let me say this,” White said. “Leon Edwards has had like three opponents throughout this thing. Leon Edwards doesn’t say no to anybody. This kid is an absolute stud. He has had like three opponents thrown at him during UFC 300. Yes, yes, and yes. He was willing to take on anybody. The kid is an absolute stud. Leon, thank you, much respect.”
“Think about this,” White said. “We call and we are talking about UFC 300, you are going to headline, you are going to fight this guy. Then we call back, and say ‘That fight is not going to happen, you are going to fight this fight.’ The third time we call and change opponents on him again. It’s just crazy and this guy could care less. He is up for the challenge he is ready to fight anybody. I love it. I respect it very much.”
White did not release the Edwards’ potential opponents; however, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that Khamzat Chimaev, Islam Makhachev, and Shavkat Rakhmonov were the opponents. Helwani reported the news on “The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani”.
The three names notably did not include Belal Muhammad. The common belief is that Muhammad is next in line for the title. That clearly was not the plan for UFC 300, however. Instead, the UFC leaned on fights involving bigger names.
The main problem with this situation is that all three of Edwards’ proposed opponents are Muslim and UFC 300 takes place days after Ramadan ends. That makes it difficult to complete a training camp. Additionally, Chimaev is facing travel issues and Makhachev is injured.
Nonetheless, in a situation where many fighters- more than the three aforementioned athletes- declined to fight at UFC 300. Edwards was willing to take on whatever name the UFC threw at him. Similarly, credit to Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill who agreed to headline the event.
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