Leon Edwards: Who did lose his belt to| Record| Next Fight| Stats

Introduction

Leon “Rocky” Edwards is one of the most compelling fighters in the UFC’s welterweight division. Known for his resilience, striking precision, and a career-defining head-kick knockout, Edwards has carved out a remarkable MMA journey. But like every great champion, he’s faced setbacks too — including losing his championship belt. In this article, we take an in-depth look into who Leon Edwards lost his belt to, his overall record, stats, and what’s next in his fighting career.

Who Did Leon Edwards Lose His Belt To?

Leon Edwards won the UFC Welterweight Championship on 20 August 2022 at UFC 278, when he knocked out Kamaru Usman with a head kick in the dying moments of the fifth round.

He went on to defend the belt successfully twice:

1. UFC 286 (18 March 2023) — Majority decision win vs. Kamaru Usman for his 2nd defense.

2. UFC 296 (16 December 2023) — Unanimous decision win vs. Colby Covington.

However, in his third title defense, Edwards lost his belt to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 on 27 July 2024. The fight went to the judges, and Muhammad was awarded a unanimous decision, becoming the new UFC Welterweight Champion.

The loss marked a significant moment: it ended Edwards’ long unbeaten streak (in UFC) and passed the championship mantle.

Edwards’ coach later revealed that he was struggling with a back injury leading up to that fight, which may have impacted his wrestling offense and defense. After the defeat, Edwards issued a heartfelt statement to his fans, vowing to come back stronger:

“I will get this back in blood.”

Leon Edwards’ Record

As of March 2025, Leon Edwards has a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 5 losses. Here is a breakdown of his record and how he wins or loses:

• Wins (22):

  • By Knockout (KO/TKO): 7

  • By Submission: 3

  • By Decision: ~12 (depending on source)

• Losses (5):

  1. Sean Brady – Lost via submission (guillotine choke) on 22 March 2025 at UFC Fight Night.

  2. Belal Muhammad – Lost via unanimous decision (title fight, UFC 304).

  3. Kamaru Usman – Lost via unanimous decision earlier in his career (not the title fight).

  4. Cláudio Silva – Lost via split decision.

  5. Delroy McDowell – Lost via disqualification (illegal knee) in his early career.

• No Contest: 1 – There was a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke.

Career Stats & Key Metrics

Here are some of the important stats and career metrics for Leon Edwards (drawn from UFC profile and other sources):

Next Fight

At the time of writing, Leon Edwards’ next scheduled fight is set for 22 March 2025. He is expected to face Sean Brady at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady.

This bout is significant for multiple reasons:

• Redemption Opportunity: After losing to Brady previously via submission, Edwards will be keen to avenge that loss.

• Career Momentum: A win could re-launch his trajectory and put him back in title contention.

Analysis: What Went Right & What Went Wrong

What Worked for Him:

1. Striking Power: The knockout of Usman with a head kick is a testament to his striking precision and timing.

2. Cardio and Endurance: Multiple 5-round fights show he can maintain performance deep into a fight.

3. Defensive Wrestling: His takedown defense (~64%) helps him defend against strong wrestlers.

Challenges / Weaknesses:

1. Pressure Wrestlers: In the fight against Belal Muhammad, Edwards was taken down many times (reports suggest he gave up multiple takedowns) which affected his output.

2. Injuries: The back injury before UFC 304 may have limited his wrestling offense and defense.

3. Submission Vulnerability: His latest loss (vs. Sean Brady) came via submission, showing that grappling remains a concern.

Legacy & Significance

Leon Edwards holds a special place in MMA history:

• He became UFC Welterweight Champion in dramatic fashion, with one of the most iconic head-kick knockouts.

• He was the first Jamaican-born champion in UFC history.

• His career is marked by persistence: from early setbacks (a loss by disqualification) to eventual championship glory.

Even after losing his belt, Edwards remains a top-level fighter, and his upcoming fight against Sean Brady will be a major test of his resolve and skill.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Who beat Leon Edwards for the UFC Welterweight title?

   • Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards via unanimous decision at UFC 304 (27 July 2024) to take the belt.

2. What is Leon Edwards’ professional MMA record?

   • As of March 2025, his record is 22 wins and 5 losses.

3. How many wins does Leon Edwards have by knockout / submission?

   • He has 7 wins by knockout, 3 by submission, and the rest mostly by decision.

4. When is Leon Edwards’ next fight scheduled?

   • He is scheduled to fight Sean Brady on 22 March 2025 at a UFC Fight Night event.

5. What are Leon Edwards’ strengths and weaknesses as a fighter?

   • Strengths: Excellent striking, cardio, and solid takedown defense. <br> Weaknesses: Can struggle under heavy wrestling pressure and has shown vulnerability to submissions.

6. Did Leon Edwards suffer any injuries that impacted his title fight?

   • Yes, according to his coach, Edwards dealt with a back injury in the lead-up to UFC 304, which hampered his wrestling.