Leon Edwards Happy To Fill UFC London Main Event Slot If Required

Leon Edwards is scheduled to face Peter Sobotta at UFC London on March 17, but if the UFC are still looking for someone to step up to the main event he’d happily oblige.

The UFC Fight Night London card is still searching for a main event with rumours of a Michael Bisping retirement fight or a welterweight showdown between Gunnar Nelson and Darren Till doing the rounds earlier this week.

With neither of those still yet to be confirmed into the main event slot, Edwards confirmed to MMANytt.com earlier today that he’d happily step up to face Nelson or Till on March 17.

“100-percent, if they came to me with either fight, whether it’s Gunnar or Darren I’d take it right away,” Edwards said. “I’m focused on Peter right now, but if they need someone to step up and take that spot then I’d be more than happy.

“I hope Bisping is the main event because I know he wants to retire soon, but I’ve be calling out these top-10 guys for a while now so yeah, I’d 100-percent do it.”

Deserving of more

Edwards is currently riding a four fight win streak with wins over Dominic Waters, Albert Tumenov, Vincente Luque and Bryan Barberena. The man from Birmingham admitted that he was expecting to get a crack at the top-10 after his last win, but says he’s now focused on making a big statement at the O2 so he can no longer be denied what he’s worth.

“I thought I deserved a top-10 fighter if I’m honest,” Edwards said. “I’m on a four fight win streak and I’ve been some big names. After my last fight I called out Donald Cerrone, but they gave it to Darren. After this fight, I’m going to get on the mic and get myself a fight on that level.

“In London I’m going to go out there with a point to prove to everyone and I’m going to look to finish the fight convincingly. I deserve to be fighting the best in the world and I’m going to renegotiate my contract with the UFC afterwards so I know I’ve got to put on a big performance.”

Taking Sobotta out in style

Sobotta is the man on his radar for the minute though. Edwards is well aware he won’t be able to look past his next opponent and he’s fully concentrated on taking him out in style.

“He’s a veteran and he’s fought some good people, but I know he’s not on my level,” Edwards said. “I think he’s going to look to stand with me and if he does I see myself finishing him off on the feet inside two rounds.

“If he wants to take it somewhere else I’m also comfortable with that, but I want to finish this one convincingly.”

Fighting Darren Till down the line

With Till’s profile sky rocketing after his win over Cerrone, the Liverpudlian has arguably overtaken Edwards in the UK MMA pecking order. That for the minute isn’t bothering Edwards, but he knows down the line they will likely clash and he’s not bothered in the slightest about going toe-to-toe with his fellow Englishman.

“Yeah I’d fight Darren, but I don’t think they’re going to want to do that for a while because I think they want to build the UK guys up,” Edwards said. “I respect what he’s done and I’m not going out to take out any of the other UK fighters.

“If we come to a crossroads down the line though, yeah I think that’s a good fight for me.”

Pick up the phone

With that all said, Edwards was asked one more time if he’d be willing to take the main event slot in London if asked. His answer leaved no doubt.