It seems like the much-anticipated trilogy bout between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman has to wait. Edwards dethroned Usman at UFC 278, after pulling off an all-time head kick that knocked Usman out cold.
This was their second run-in and soon after this event, it was confirmed by Dana White that a trilogy bout between the two welterweights will take place in the U.K. However, that might take a halt as rumors are saying that Usman might need another hand surgery now.
In a recent interview, Stephen Thompson revealed that Usman might need to be out for a while for his surgery and the promotion is aiming for Masvidal vs. Edwards in March. Wonderboy said:
“People are in-talks of me fighting Leon Edwards. I know Kamaru Usman is having hand surgery, I know they want to fight somebody in March and they were looking at Jorge Masvidal.
He’s a standup fighter, so it kind of inspires me a bit, our division is so wrestler-heavy, and Leon Edwards is a striker and he’s champ. So, anyone of those guys would be awesome.”
According to Thompson, he is on a 6 months medical suspension after his injury in the recent fight with Kevin Holland but he is still going for the title. As the promotion needs someone to fight in early next year, they are replacing Usman for Masvidal.
🚨 Kamaru Usman may be OUT of the trilogy between him and Leon Edwards because of hand surgery.
Wonderboy says the UFC “want someone to fight in March” and (the UFC) “are looking at Jorge Masvidal” 😳
from YT/ Fred Talks Fighting pic.twitter.com/avHVEEvpGJ
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 12, 2022
Masvidal hasn’t fought since his UFC 272 loss to Colby Covington and is on a losing skid. Although ‘Gamebred’ and ‘Rocky’ have a history, the UFC giving Masvidal a title shot has enraged the fight fans.
Fans believe Jorge Masvidal doesn’t deserve a title shot against Leon Edwards
Jorge Masvidal hasn’t won a fight in three years since his win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244. ‘Gamebred’ then fought three times and suffered three back-to-back losses against Usman (twice), and Covington.
Masvidal is currently #11 in the welterweight rankings and the division has seen a lot of activity. Usman and Covington are at the No.1 and No.2 spot but Khamzat Chimaev, Belal Muhammad, and more are following.
Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards exchange words and punches backstage during the ESPN+ post-show pic.twitter.com/kYEkWxN8Io
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 16, 2019
Masvidal had a backstage scuffle with “Rocky” back in 2019. ‘Gamebred’ sucker-punched Edwards with a punch combination and later named it the “three-piece and a soda.” Moreover, Masvidal and Edwards had a back-and-forth social media war.
refer to me as “Mr Edwards” or “Sir” and get on your knees and beg and I may consider it https://t.co/fr6o0OsygT
— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) October 15, 2022
However, fight fans are protesting that Masvidal should not be even talked about for a title shot as he is on a three-fight losing streak. Chimaev and Muhammad are seemingly more deserving candidates as they have been more active recently.
Fans took to Twitter to voice their displeasure. Check some of the tweets below:
make the winner of Neal vs Shavkat for the title. or Belal 2.
just not someone who hasn’t won a fight since 2019.— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) December 12, 2022
All little credibility the UFC has right now will be gone if the give Jorge “No rounds won since 2019” Masvidal a title shot
— randomguy (@AverageP3rs0n) December 12, 2022
Khamzat or Colby are the only right answers. Anything else is ridiculous
— – (@lazerbru) December 12, 2022
No way Masvidal gets another undeserved title shot 😐
— Izzys Wrestling (@Mmaspot1) December 12, 2022
If @bullyb170 doesn’t get this title shot then I’m convinced Dana White Privilege isn’t just a gimmick
— MAKHACHEV.ETH 🇲🇦 (@abdussalaamMMA) December 12, 2022
It has to be belal or Colby. The fact Jorge is even a thought is hilarious. Ufc is turning into the WWE
— killGRACE (@killgrayson) December 12, 2022
absolutely ridiculous if this happens, who tf gets a title shot coming off 3 straight losses? pic.twitter.com/0EVPyVli3b
— n (@noahrmprsd) December 12, 2022
According to fans, Masvidal does not deserve this title shot, and instead the UFC should give Chimaev or Muhammad the title fight against Edwards. However, Masvidal will now have the chance to settle the score with Edwards if this potential bout gets official.
