UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards is targeting Abu Dhabi for his second title defence. The Jamaican-born Brit, unbeaten in his past 12 professional bouts, last month defeated former belt-holder Kamaru Usman in their rematch at UFC 286 in London.
He had been expected to headline once more on the promotion's anticipated return to the English capital in July. However, while Edwards told Sky Sports on Thursday that he would consider “stupid money” to fight in London this summer, he would prefer his next bout to take place in the UAE capital.
Abu Dhabi will host UFC 294 at Etihad Arena on October 21. As of yet, no bouts have been confirmed for the event, although it will include at least one championship clash. "That would be perfect for me, Abu Dhabi," Edwards said. "I get time to nurse my injuries, I get time to get back into it slowly, so I feel like Abu Dhabi would be perfect for me, for sure. “In the last year or so I’ve fought three times I think; I’d love to fight now towards the end of the year.
The Abu Dhabi card would be great.” Edwards, 21-3 as a pro (one no contest), is looking for a little time off having first come through his sensational title win against Usman in August last year and then the rematch at O2 Arena.