Leon Edwards has finally spoken out following the most difficult moment of his mixed martial arts career — a devastating knockout loss to Carlos Prates at UFC 322 in New York. The former UFC welterweight champion, who once ruled the division with a historic run, is now facing the harshest stretch of his professional journey, marked by three straight defeats that have left fans and analysts questioning what comes next for the Birmingham standout.
At 34 years old, Edwards suffered his first knockout loss in the Octagon when Prates stopped him in the second round of their highly anticipated matchup. It was a result few predicted, especially considering Edwards’ reputation as one of the most defensively sound fighters in the 170-pound division. The defeat came on the heels of a submission loss to Sean Brady and the title-fight setback against Belal Muhammad earlier in the year, creating a sudden slide for a fighter who once appeared nearly untouchable.
In the aftermath of UFC 322, many wondered whether Edwards would consider stepping away from the sport entirely. His winless streak, coupled with the emotional weight of losing the welterweight title, sparked ongoing discussions about retirement. Fans debated whether his competitive fire remained, and analysts questioned how much more he could offer in a division stacked with hungry contenders.
But Edwards has now delivered his first public statement since the crushing defeat, and rather than addressing his future or dwelling on the loss, he chose to focus on gratitude and presence.
Posting across his social media platforms, Edwards wrote:
“Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift.”
The message resonated deeply with fans — a reminder that despite setbacks, Edwards refuses to be defined by a single moment. It reflects a mentality that has carried him through adversity before, including the long climb to becoming welterweight champion.
A Former Champion Refusing to Look Back
Leading up to UFC 322, Edwards made it clear he was fixated on reclaiming the welterweight belt. Even after losing the title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, the Englishman maintained a belief in his ability to rebuild and re-enter contention. His return against Prates was seen by many as a favorable matchup stylistically, particularly after struggling against grapplers.
However, the sport proved once again that nothing is guaranteed. Prates’ striking overwhelmed Edwards, handing him a stunning second-round knockout that silenced Madison Square Garden and delivered one of the biggest upsets of the event. The knockout was not only unexpected but symbolic — marking the first time Edwards had ever been stopped with strikes in his career.
Still, his recent message shows he’s not wallowing in self-doubt. Instead, he is choosing acceptance and mindfulness — a mindset that could be crucial if he continues competing at the elite level.
A Frozen Title Picture Leaves Edwards on the Outside
Before this turbulent year, Edwards boasted the second-longest unbeaten streak in UFC welterweight history with 13 fights, trailing only Georges St-Pierre. During that run, he defeated top names including Kamaru Usman, Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Anjos, and Vicente Luque. His crowning achievement came when he knocked out Usman with a head kick to claim the UFC title in 2022, a moment still considered one of the most iconic finishes in MMA history.
But the landscape has shifted significantly.
The welterweight division is now loaded with fresh, surging contenders, many of whom boast undefeated records or impressive winning streaks that position them far closer to a title opportunity than Edwards. The current rankings paint a clear picture:
Jack Della Maddalena
Ian Machado Garry
Shavkat Rakhmonov
Michael Morales
Belal Muhammad
Carlos Prates
Sean Brady
Kamaru Usman
Leon Edwards
Joaquin Buckley
With names like Rakhmonov, Maddalena, Garry, and Morales rising rapidly, Edwards appears to have slipped from the title conversation entirely. Even his former rival Kamaru Usman sits ahead of him in many discussions about who might still contend for the belt before the end of 2026.
Islam Makhachev’s arrival in the division has only added further congestion. The lightweight and welterweight champion holds two belts and continues to dominate every opponent placed before him. Many believe Shavkat Rakhmonov poses the greatest threat to Makhachev, but even that matchup remains uncertain.
In this crowded field, Edwards faces a longer path than ever toward reclaiming championship glory.
What Comes Next for Leon Edwards?
The biggest question now is whether Edwards wants to continue that climb. His social media message avoided any direct mention of fighting, retirement, or future plans — leaving fans to speculate on where his mindset truly lies.
A matchup against Joaquin Buckley, suggested by some fans, could serve as a compelling rebound fight. Buckley’s explosive style and rising popularity make him a challenging but fair opponent for Edwards to regain momentum. Others believe he should take an extended break to reassess his training, mindset, and long-term goals.
What remains undeniable is Edwards’ legacy. Regardless of his current ranking or recent losing streak, he remains one of the most accomplished welterweights in history. His championship win, unbeaten streak, and technical mastery inside the Octagon earned him the admiration of fans worldwide.
Whether he chooses to fight again or decides it’s time to close the chapter, the MMA community will be watching closely. For now, his message suggests he’s choosing peace over pressure — a powerful stance for an athlete navigating the hardest phase of his career.
