Leon Edwards has not fought since July 2019. Some of that time off is because of COVID-19. Some of it was Edwards’ unwillingness to fight an unranked opponent. However, if he had his way, Edwards, who is the No. 3 ranked UFC welterweight, would face either Neil Magny or Michael Chiesa on January 20 in Abu Dhabi. He isn’t.
The UFC’s refusal to grant Edwards his wish is another display of how UFC contracts are one-sided in favor of the promotion.
First, a look at how Edwards, who is in the midst of the third longest winning streak in UFC welterweight history with eight straight victories, has spent nearly two years away from the octagon.