The most obvious scenario for new UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards’ first title defense is a trilogy with Kamaru Usman, whom he defeated in stunning fashion just 10 days ago at UFC 278.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t options.
For starters, while Edwards has stated that Usman is “deserving” of an immediate trilogy after making five consecutive title defenses, the champ also has said he’d be willing to give title shots to Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz under certain circumstances.
The condition for Diaz, who is fighting out his UFC contract, was if he’s able to beat the highly hyped and undefeated Khamzat Chimaev next week at UFC 279. It’s no secret that Chimaev has been one of UFC president Dana White’s favorite fighters since he joined the promotion in 2020.
So if Chimaev does what is expected and beats Diaz, then Edwards’ coach, Dave Lovell, believes Chimaev could be in line for a shot at the belt.
“If he does beat Nate and manages to beat Nate in a badly fashion and retire him, I think somehow they’ll be looking to slip him in somewhere down the line,” Lovell told MMA Junkie.
One potential option that Lovell doesn’t care for is Colby Covington, who finds himself in a quandary of sorts. Covington is No. 3 in the official UFC rankings behind Edwards and Usman, with the latter owning two wins over Covington.
In the past, Covington, who beat Masvidal this past March, has
