London, UK – With the UFC in his backyard welterweight title challenger Leon Edwards took the time to speak on his upcoming rematch with Kamaru Usman.
Speaking to Cageside Press, among other media, Edwards reflected on the mistakes he made in the first fight with the now 170-pound king.
“When we first fought 7 years ago I was like 24-years-old, I was skinny. To now go back I’m now 30-years-old, experienced fighter, built into my body. I’m looking forward to August 20th. Been a long road coming, a long two-and-a-half, three years. I’m taking the opportunity with both hands,” Edwards said on Saturday night at UFC London.
Edwards made it clear he’s been watching Usman since their fight in Dec. 2015 where he lost by decision on the prelim card.
“I watched all the fights over the last, like I said 7 years, he’s won 12 fights? 12-13 fights? I’ve won 10. I’ve been watching him since my loss against him and I’ve (been) planning for this moment since it’s been what 7 years, game planning and how we will approach him. What’s the difference with him now? Then and now, and what’s the difference with me now and then as well,” Edwards said.
“Like I said I’m excited. It’s been a long hard road to get to this point and I can’t wait.”
Asked what it would be like if he won the belt, Edwards quickly corrected a reporter with “When” he wins the belt, what the feeling would be like Edwards described the long road to a title.
“This is what I’ve been working for and envisioning for many years now. I always said I would be fighting for a world title when I was #1 in the division. Just took a longer road to get to the point where I’m at now,” said Edwards.
“But I believe that road made me into a better fighter. I truly believe that this is the right time for us to fight. I’m excited, my team is excited, my family’s excited. I’m going to attack it with both hands.”
Watch the full UFC London post-fight press scrum with Leon Edwards above.
