LEON EDWARDS has vowed to reign as UFC welterweight champion for years to come after closing the book on his rivalry with Kamaru Usman.
‘Rocky’ retained his 170lbs crown with a points victory in their trilogy fight at UFC 286, which topped the bill of a sold-out O2 Arena early yesterday morning.
GETTYLeon Edwards retained his welterweight title at the O2 Arena on Saturday night[/caption]
GETTYRocky defeated rival Kamaru Usman in their UFC 286 trilogy fight to notch his first title defence[/caption]
GETTYAnd he’s confident he’ll sit on top of the division for years to come[/caption]
Edwards, 31, silenced critics of his last-gasp title victory last August with a stunning display of pinpoint striking and incredible takedown defence.
And the Brummie is now hellbent on building a lasting legacy following back-to-back wins over the sport’s former pound-for-pound king.
He said: “It’s every kid’s dream to live this moment tonight.
“I said it all this week, I truly believe this is my era.
“It’s been a long time that I haven’t lost a fight. Seven or eight years.
“I feel like my life and the journey that I took helped me to prepare for these moments and I truly believe this is my time now.”
UFC boss Dana White wants Edwards back at the O2 in July for a showdown against former interim champion Colby Covington.
But the slick southpaw insists the Donald-Trump-loving American isn’t worthy of the next crack at his belt.
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Britain’s second UFC titleholder said: “I don’t know how that makes sense.
“He hasn’t fought for over a year and a half. Sat out not injured.
“I don’t get how he just slides in for a world title shot when there are other guys in the division that have been active.”
Edward’s sights are currently trained on a grudge match with Jorge Masvidal, who attacked him backstage at the O2 four years ago.
He said: “If we are going pay-per-view wise, if Masvidal beats [Gilbert] Burns then that’s the fight to make.
“But I just don’t see how Colby sits out for a year, not injured, and just slides in.
Leon Edwards has set his sights on a grudge match with Kamaru UsmanGetty
“I had to work through 12 fights to get here. When I was trying to get my title shot people were saying, “Who is he?”
“Now I’m the king. And he’s allowed to jump the line? Like I said, I’m the king. I’ll decide who is next.”
‘Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman, 35, is adamant retirement isn’t on the cards and has vowed to claw his way back to a fourth fight with Edwards.
He said: “I think I did enough to win the fight but I knew it was a close fight. Great game plan.
“I’ve always said it from the start, I knew I would see Leon again. I’m not done. I’ll see him again.
“I’ve always given him props for everything he’s been able to accomplish. Much respect.”