Leon Edwards & Gilbert Trade Verbal Shots Over Next Title Shot

Now that Kamaru Usman has defeated Jorge Masvidal, talk has shifted to who should challenge the UFC’s welterweight champ next. Well, one thing seems pretty, pretty clear, both Gilbert Burns and Leon Edwards think they’re next in line.

Edwards and Burns go to war online

As you’ve certainly heard, Usman ground his way to a decision win over Masvidal this past Saturday at UFC 251. The latter had stepped in on short notice, after Burns tested positive for COVID-19 and had to withdraw from the headliner.

Well, following the event, ESPN’s Ariel Helwani proposed that Burns and Edwards should fight, to determine who should face Usman next. That idea didn’t sit too well with Burns, and that sparked off a ferocious exchange with Edwards (warning: graphic language).

It’s not surprising to see Edwards taking steps to make sure he remains in the title shot conversation. After all, he’s won eight straight fights an the only person to defeat him since 2014 is Usman. 

But could Burns – Edwards happen?

At the end of the day, however, it would be kind of surprising if Burns vs. Edwards was tabled. Dana White has already said that Burns will be next for Usman. 

If Masvidal had won, then the UFC might have looked at tapping Colby Covington or even Conor McGregor for ‘Gamebred’s’ first title defense.

Now, if Usman decides he’s going to take an extended period of time off, then the UFC might change their minds about Burns’s title shot. But, as of right now, there’s no indication that’s going to happen.