Former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards has announced his intention to compete again this November, targeting the card featuring Jack Della Maddalena versus Islam Makhachev scheduled at Madison Square Garden. Edwards revealed his plans during a recent conversation with BloodyElbow’s Donagh Corby on the night his brother Fabian scored a highlight-reel knockout reminiscent of Edwards’ own famous head kick finish against Kamaru Usman.
Though the UFC has not yet officially publicized the event’s headliner, Edwards expressed a clear desire to be part of the fight card if the welterweight title is at stake. He stated,
Yeah November for sure. Yeah [Madison Square Garden]. I think JDM is fighting Islam at MSG, so I want to be on the same card.
—Leon Edwards, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
Corby’s exclusive report also noted Edwards’ strategy of staging a “1-2 fight plan” to re-establish himself as a top contender and reclaim the championship.
Edwards Sharing Preparation Insights and Title Ambitions
Edwards spoke openly about his current physical condition and mental readiness, highlighting how assisting his brother Fabian in training camps maintained his own sharpness. He acknowledged a recent period of waiting for the welterweight division to resolve before making a comeback.
He commented,
I feel good, I’ve been training and helping Fabian in camp. Now I’m ready to go, I’ve waited for the division to settle a little bit and now I’m ready to go. I’m one or two away from getting my belt back so I’m locking in and I’m going to get it done.
—Leon Edwards, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
This statement framed his return as a focused effort toward regaining the title, signaling confidence in his path back to the top of the division.
Carlos Prates Expresses Interest in Facing Edwards After Impressive KO
Following Carlos Prates’ striking knockout victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 319, the Brazilian contender publicly called for a matchup against Edwards. Prates believes a win over the former champion would strongly position him for a title shot in the welterweight category.
In a recent interview with MiddleEasy, Prates clarified his fight preferences:
Yeah, it’s what I want. There are two things I want: fighting in Brazil [at UFC Rio] or fighting against Leon. If they both happen in Brazil, that would be amazing.
—Carlos Prates, UFC Welterweight contender
He added,
I’m a huge fan of him,. I respect the guy, but I’m here to be a champ. I’m here to prove I’m the best. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, and I think after I beat Leon Edwards, I want to be close to a title shot. Maybe one or two fights more, and I can fight for the title.
—Carlos Prates, UFC Welterweight contender
Prates’ ambition underscores how a match with Edwards could serve as a pivotal moment for his career trajectory.
Potential Matchup: Edwards Versus Ian Garry Considered
Ian Garry, another prominent welterweight contender, has also made his intentions toward Edwards known, challenging the notion that Edwards would accept a fight against Prates. Edwards previously hinted at Garry as a possible opponent during a SkySports interview last month, praising the prospect:
“That’d be a good fight. Definitely. That’s the fight I’ve mentioned to the UFC.”
He further explained,
I think that’d be a great fight to get back in there,
—Leon Edwards, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
This potential matchup holds significance as both fighters are looking to strengthen their positions in the welterweight rankings, making their bout a compelling feature for the November card.
Significance of Edwards’ Return and Future Prospects
Leon Edwards’ confirmed return to the UFC in November at Madison Square Garden represents a crucial step in the welterweight division’s evolving landscape. With the title picture unsettled and contenders like Carlos Prates and Ian Garry eager to rise, Edwards’ comeback will likely generate high interest from fans and analysts alike.
His intent to embark on a “1-2 fight plan” illustrates a strategic approach to regaining championship status, while the prospect of competing alongside major events such as the Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev bout adds further prominence. As the UFC approaches an event rich with potential marquee matchups, Edwards’ return sets the stage for renewed competition at the sport’s highest level.