With six straight wins, Leon Edwards calls for a fight against Rafael dos Anjos

L. Edwards (photo) asks for a fight against R. dos Anjos. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter ufceurope

The Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos, former lightweight champion (up to 65,7kg), has been chasing the title in the welterweight category (up to 77kg) for some time. The athlete's triumph last Saturday (18) filled eyes with Leon edwards, who has already made a point of demonstrating, in a recent interview with 'Ariel Helwani's MMA Show', his desire to face dos Anjos and take a leap forward in the category. Edwards hasn't been defeated since 2015.

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While Dos Anjos has not defined his future opponent in the category, which has Kamaru Usman, the Brazilian's last tormentor, as champion, Leon has already expressed his desire to replace Tyron woodley in the duel against Robbie Lawler in the main fight of UFC Minneapolis, in a duel that would take place on June 29th. According to sources, Woodley was injured and is practically out of the duel, which would represent a rematch with Robbie, dethroned by Tyron in 2016.

“Why not go up and face a former champion like Lawler?” asked Leon.

Edwards' main focus, however, is, in fact, the Rafael dos Anjos. After a great victory over the newcomer in the category, Kevin Lee, the athlete rose from third to second position in the rankings, putting himself in a great position to face the champion.

“I want a top 5 opponent. After that, I want a chance to fight for the belt. I feel like it’s the right thing to do,” concluded Leon.

Rafael risked his good position in the division by agreeing to face Lee in the main fight of UFC Rochester, last weekend. Kevin wasn't even ranked in the division and, right away, he faced an athlete from the top 5. If he were defeated, Dos Anjos would possibly lose positions in the division, while the North American would find himself with morale, if he emerged victorious.

The fight against Edwards, however, may not seem interesting to Rafael, from a logical point of view. Today, the Brazilian is very close to qualifying for the title fight, while Leon, despite coming off an incredible six consecutive victories, may have to face a few more opponents if he aims for a better position at welterweight.

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