The UFC welterweight division has seen a seismic shift over the past year, and at the centre of this new landscape is former champion Leon Edwards. The man who once held the division in his grasp is now a top contender on a mission to reclaim the belt. His path back to the top is set to begin at UFC 322, where he faces Carlos Prates, but his journey from champion to contender is the real story gripping the MMA world.
The End of a Reign
For nearly two years, Leon “Rocky” Edwards sat atop the 170-pound division, successfully defending his title against two of the sport’s biggest names. His reign came to a shocking end in July 2024 at UFC 304 in Manchester, where he was defeated by Belal Muhammad in a gruelling five-round battle. The loss was the first for Edwards since 2015 and ended an incredible 13-fight unbeaten streak. While Edwards had fought an almost perfect technical battle in his championship defences, the wrestling-heavy pressure from Muhammad was a puzzle he couldn’t solve on the night.
You can revisit the highlights of that pivotal title loss here:
The aftermath of the fight sent ripples through the welterweight rankings. Belal Muhammad, the new champion, was quickly dethroned by rising star Jack Della Maddalena in a dominant performance at UFC 315. This created an entirely new pecking order in a division that had been defined by Edwards’ dominance. With Della Maddalena now at the top and a host of new contenders emerging, the path to a title shot for Edwards is no longer a straight line.
A New Road to the Title
Leon Edwards’ return to the Octagon against rising star Carlos Prates is scheduled for November 15 at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden. While this is a high-stakes matchup, it will notably be on the undercard of a title fight between the new champion, Jack Della Maddalena, and challenger Islam Makhachev, who is moving up to 170 pounds. This is a clear sign that while Edwards is still considered elite, he needs to string together wins to earn his shot at the new champion.
His next fight is not just about a win; it’s a statement. A dominant performance against a dangerous striker like Prates would remind everyone of the skills that made him champion in the first place. Currently ranked as the number four contender in the division, Edwards’ journey will likely require him to get past other top contenders like Sean Brady or Shavkat Rakhmonov before he can face the winner of Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev.
The Stakes for Edwards’ Legacy
For Leon Edwards, this new chapter in his career is an opportunity to add to his legacy. Very few fighters have managed to reclaim a title after losing it, especially in a division as stacked as welterweight. A successful comeback would not only be a career highlight but would also cement his place among the all-time greats. The challenge is immense, but if there’s one thing “Rocky” has proven throughout his career, it’s his ability to overcome adversity and rise to the occasion. The entire MMA world will be watching to see if he can do it again and become a two-time champion.
His upcoming fight against Prates is the first step in a long, difficult climb, but for a fighter of his calibre, it is a challenge that must be met head-on.
Key Points
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Former Champion | Leon Edwards lost the UFC welterweight title to Belal Muhammad. |
| The Loss | Defeated by unanimous decision at UFC 304 in July 2024. |
| Current Champion | Jack Della Maddalena, who defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. |
| Current Ranking | Leon Edwards is ranked as the #4 contender in the welterweight division. |
| Next Fight | Scheduled to face Carlos Prates at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Leon Edwards still the UFC champion?
No, Leon Edwards is no longer the UFC welterweight champion. He lost the title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in July 2024. - Who is the current UFC welterweight champion?
The current UFC welterweight champion is Jack Della Maddalena, who won the title by defeating Belal Muhammad in May 2025. - When and where is Leon Edwards’ next fight?
Leon Edwards is scheduled to fight Carlos Prates at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. - What is the significance of Edwards’ next fight?
This fight is crucial for Edwards to prove he is still a top contender. A win would keep him on the path to challenge for the title again, while a loss could put his career legacy in doubt.
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