With three Brazilians, UFC Las Vegas 21 has Leon Edwards eyeing the welterweight belt

L. Edwards (left) and B. Muhammad (right) had a tense look before the UFC Las Vegas 21. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After almost two years away from the octagon, Leon edwards is back. This Saturday (13), at UFC Las Vegas 21, the English will exchange forces against Belal Muhammad | in the main fight and can guarantee the dream of a title fight if he beats his rival. In total, the show will feature 13 clashes and three Brazilian representatives.

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Without performing since July 2019, Edwards wants to prove that he is still in great shape and deserves the position at welterweight (under 77kg). The fighter, however, will have to worry about a rival chosen at the last minute, as Muhammad was chosen to replace Khamzat Shimaev, which is still recovering from the consequences of Covid-19.

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Still on the main card, Brazilian fans will be able to watch the return of the promising Matheus Nicolau. Dismissed in 2018, the miner receives a new opportunity and will exchange forces against Manel kape, former RIZIN champion.

In the first half of the show, two Tupiniquins wear the green-yellow Las Vegas. Glorinha de Paula will face Jinh Yu Frey, while the veteran Rani Yaya has a commitment against Ray Rodriguez.

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Edwards vs Muhammad

Although he won't be facing the opponent he's been preparing for over the past few months, Leon may not have it easy this weekend. A standout at welterweight for years, the Englishman must be careful not to be surprised by an opponent known for his consistency and ability to engage his rivals.

The clash against Belal has an additional motivational factor for Edwards. Even though he won't face the new UFC sensation (Chimaev), the Englishman recently won the approval of the company's president, Dana White, for a future title fight. According to the 'big boss', if Leon, number three in the division, has a convincing performance, a fight for the title will be assured.

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Willing to make history and sell this weekend's commitment at a high price, Muhammad seems not to fear his opponent's record. Coming from four consecutive victories, the North American, who beat Dhiego Lima at the beginning of February, they will need to overcome distrust and, if they win, they will make a considerable leap in the group. Today, the fighter occupies 13th position.

The return of Matheus Nicolau

Considered a great Brazilian promise for the UFC, Matheus will have an opportunity rarely given to other athletes. Fired from the company in 2018, with only one defeat in the organization, the fighter returns to join the company's flyweight division (up to 56,7kg).

Upon his return, Nicolau will face a challenge from the company. Hired to move the division led by Deiveson Figueiredo, Manel kape will be responsible for welcoming Tupiniquim.

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Former RIZIN champion, Kape was unsuccessful in his debut and is looking for his first positive result in the company. In his first challenge, the fighter ended up defeated by Alexandre pantoja.

At 28 years old, Matheus will make his 19th appearance as a professional in MMA. Today, the Minas Gerais native has 15 wins, two setbacks and one draw. Nicolau has not played since 2019 and comes from two positive results in a row.

More Brazil

On the preliminary card, the night will be a debut for Glorinha de Paula. Revealed by 'Dana White's Contender Series', the São Paulo native is scheduled to face Jinh Yu Frei. Professional in mixed martial arts since July 2017, the athlete has five wins and two losses in the sport.

MMA veteran, Rani Yaya, 36 years old, has an important clash this weekend. Without winning since 2018 and two fights ago, the athlete comes under pressure for the duel against Ray Rodriguez. Known for his grappling, the Tupiniquim will try to surprise his rival, who has not yet won since his debut in Ultimate. The presentation will mark the Brasilia native's 39th fight in mixed martial arts (26 wins, 10 losses, one draw and one unsuccessful fight).