Leon Edwards targets Ian Machado Garry next: 'That's the fight I've mentioned to the UFC'

USA Today

04-07-2025

Leon Edwards is looking to re-enter the UFC title picture by taking on a top rising welterweight.
Edwards (22-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC) lost his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, then suffered a dominant submission loss to Sean Brady in the UFC Fight Night 255 headliner in March. He is on the first losing skid of his career.
Ian Machado Garry (16-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) was suggested to Edwards for his next fight, and "Rocky" revealed that that's the fight he's been asking for. Machado Garry has recently taken some shots at Edwards, where he questioned his desire to continue fighting.
"That would be a good fight," Edwards told Sky Sports of Machado Garry. "Definitely. That's the fight I've mentioned to the UFC. I think that would be a great fight to get back in there. So, hopefully we can get that one done this year."
Edwards watched Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) dethrone Muhammad to become champion at UFC 315, which he admits was tough to watch.
"100 percent, definitely," Edwards said. "I thought that was a good fight, that was a decent fight. Jack did what he needed to do to win. I'm looking forward to seeing Jack now and Islam (Makhachev). That'll be a good one."
The former champion hasn't given up on reclaiming his welterweight title.
"I think Jack is what? (28), I'm 33 so, I feel like there's time for us to meet one day," Edwards said. "He's got good boxing. I got good overall striking. I think it would be a good fight."