Khamzat Chimaev top-ranked contenders to fight Leon Edwards at UFC 269
The loss of one top UFC welterweight contender could be the acquisition of another. Following news of Jorge Masvidal’s injury-related withdrawal from his UFC 269 bout against Leon Edwards on Wednesday, some of the sport’s biggest personalities took to Twitter to plead for the fight.
UFC 269 will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, December 11th. After the prelims on ESPN2/ESPN+, the main card is broadcast on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
While it’s uncertain whether Edwards (19-3 MMA, 11-2 UFC) will compete in the event, he has a slew of willing challengers who say they’re ready to step up if called upon.
Let’s go bro we do it @Leon_edwardsmma 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/HXvytUOIRt
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) November 10, 2021
Khamzat Chimaev, one of the fastest-rising stars in MMA, has already established himself as a fighter who can fight “anyone, anytime, anywhere.” From late 2020 to early 2021, he was expected to face Edwards on many occasions. The fight, however, was never held as both fighters contracted COVID-19.
Gilbert Burns, a perennial top contender at welterweight, has resumed his quest for a title opportunity in the UFC. In July, Burns won a unanimous decision against Stephen Thompson, a multiple-time UFC championship challenger, at UFC 264.
Belal Muhammad had previously faced Edwards, and the outcome was contentious. Muhammad was jabbed in the eye by Edwards in March, resulting in a no-contest outcome. Muhammad has been campaigning hard for a second chance since then.