Leon Edwards’ Rocky Road to UFC London: Unpacking the Drama at Media Day Scrum

Leon Edwards knows what it’s like to be the underdog. Even as the UFC welterweight champion, he still seems to be fighting for respect – something that was clear during his latest media scrum in London.

The Birmingham-based fighter faced reporters ahead of his upcoming clash with Sean Brady, and true to form, it wasn’t smooth sailing. Just like his career path to championship gold, Edwards’ media day experience proved to be another uphill battle in a journey filled with them.

The Champ’s Rocky Reception in His Home Country

I’ve covered dozens of UFC events, but there’s something uniquely challenging about Edwards’ relationship with the spotlight. Despite being one of only two current British UFC champions (alongside Tom Aspinall), Edwards still doesn’t seem to receive the fanfare you’d expect.

At the London media day, Edwards faced tough questions about his drawing power, his fighting style, and whether he’s doing enough to promote himself. It’s the same old story for “Rocky” – always having to prove himself, even with gold around his waist.

“People keep questioning my journey, but I’m still here,” Edwards told reporters. “I’ve taken the long road to get here, and I’m not giving this belt up easily.”

Sean Brady: The Dangerous Opponent Nobody’s Talking About

Lost in much of the media day conversation was Sean Brady himself – a dangerous contender with an impressive 16-1 record. The Philadelphia fighter represents yet another obstacle for Edwards, who seems perpetually matched with opponents looking to make their name by dethroning him.

Edwards addressed the challenge directly: “Brady is tough, undefeated in the UFC until that Belal fight. He’s hungry, but so was I for seven years climbing the ranks. I know what it’s like to be the hunter.”

What makes this matchup particularly interesting is Brady’s grappling prowess against Edwards’ well-rounded skill set. It’s a classic striker vs. grappler matchup with championship implications.

Tale of the Tape: Edwards vs. Brady

The Belal Muhammad Question Hanging Over London

You couldn’t attend the media day without feeling the shadow of Belal Muhammad looming over the proceedings. Edwards was repeatedly questioned about Muhammad, his anticipated next challenger should he get past Brady.

The champ seemed visibly irritated by the focus on future opponents rather than the dangerous one directly in front of him.

“Everyone’s talking about Belal, but I’ve got Sean Brady trying to take my head off first,” Edwards responded sharply. “This is the problem in this sport – nobody lives in the moment.”

It’s another example of the uphill battle Edwards faces – even as champion, the conversation constantly shifts to who he should fight next rather than appreciating his current accomplishments.

The Long Road Less Traveled

What struck me most watching Edwards at the media day was how his career journey mirrors his personality. Quiet, methodical, and often underappreciated, Edwards has never had the easy path.

Remember when he was on a nine-fight win streak and couldn’t get a title shot? Or when he was removed from the rankings during the pandemic through no fault of his own? The man has faced more roadblocks than almost any champion in recent memory.

Yet here he stands, preparing to defend his title in London, still answering the same questions about whether he deserves to be where he is.

Edwards’ Path to Championship: By the Numbers

• 12 fights before title shot (longest streak for any modern champion)
• 10-fight unbeaten streak before challenging for title
• 7 years between loss to Kamaru Usman and championship rematch
• 2 successful title defenses (looking to make it 3 against Brady)

Will London Finally Embrace Its Champion?

The big question hanging over UFC London is whether British fans will finally give Edwards the hero’s welcome he deserves. Despite being one of the UK’s most accomplished MMA fighters ever, Edwards hasn’t connected with fans the way Michael Bisping or even Paddy Pimblett have.

Perhaps it’s his soft-spoken nature in a sport that rewards trash talk. Maybe it’s his methodical fighting style in an era that celebrates knockouts above all else. Whatever the reason, Edwards continues fighting not just his opponents, but also for the recognition his achievements merit.

As one reporter bluntly asked during the scrum: “Do you feel you get the respect you deserve as champion?”

Edwards’ response was telling: “I’ve stopped worrying about that. The journey’s made me stronger. I focus on what I can control – training hard and winning fights.”

The Bottom Line: Another Day at the Office for ‘Rocky’

If Edwards’ media day experience proved anything, it’s that some things never change. Even as champion, he’s still fighting upstream, still answering the same doubting questions, still having to prove himself.

But that’s exactly what has made Edwards who he is. The Birmingham fighter has built his career on overcoming obstacles and proving doubters wrong. His media day performance was just another example of the quiet resilience that has carried him to the top of the sport.

As UFC London approaches, one thing is certain – Edwards will show up, handle business professionally, and let his fighting do the talking. It’s what he’s always done, championship belt or not.

And for a fighter nicknamed “Rocky,” perhaps the challenging road is exactly where he belongs.

Are you planning to watch UFC London? Do you think Edwards gets the respect he deserves as champion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: UFC London Media Day