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In anticipation of his title defense against Kamaru Usman scheduled for UFC 286, Leon Edwards collaborated with GQ, going undercover online and answering fan questions directly.
In the video, Edwards spoke about the rising popularity he saw in the U.K after beating Usman and becoming the UFC welterweight champion. One fan suggested that Edwards was "Paddy level popular" in the U.K, referring to Paddy Pimblett.
To this, Leon Edwards responded:
"In the U.K? Yeah, for sure. I'm the second UFC champion in the history of the U.K now. So, for me to go back home and sell out a stadium show, it benefits everybody. There's lots of guys coming up under me. I want to use my platform to put more light on them you know, because they all want to build the sport." (1:50 - 2:07)
Watch the rest of the video here:
Edwards has also previously spoken on his desire to inspire future generations, making for a wholesome moment.
Leon Edwards set to face Kamaru Usman in trilogy bout at UFC 286 in London
After shocking the world at UFC 278, Edwards will now defend his welterweight strap against former welterweight king and pound-for-pound great Kamaru Usman in the U.K, as UFC 286 takes place in London, England.
For his first title defense, Edwards will be fighting at home at the O2 Arena. In their previous bout, Usman dominated for the majority of the fight. Edwards, however, stunned the world with a head kick finish in the last few moments of the fight, dethroning Usman to become the welterweight champion.
Watch Leon Edwards face Kamaru Usman at UFC 278:
Their second fight also gave us a true 'Rocky' moment. Edwards, who goes by the moniker 'Rocky', was boosted by his corner before heading out into the fifth. His corner urged him to finish the fight, as that was his only chance left. Edwards, of course, obliged, making this an iconic moment in MMA history.
Watch Edwards' corner light a fire under him at UFC 278:
