Dana White announces Leon Edwards’ next fight after UFC 286 title defense against Colby Covington

UFC President Dana White has announced that Leon Edwards’ second title defense will be against Colby Covington.

Rocky retained his welterweight title Saturday night with a majority decision win over Kamaru Umsan in the main event of UFC 286 in London.

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Attention has now turned to who the proud Brummie will face later this year, although UFC supremo White appears to have already made the decision for him.

During the post-fight press conference, he said: “This is the fight that makes sense, Colby came here, cut his weight and did whatever it took to be here for this fight.

“He deserved the fight. Not to mention he’s the second or third best guy in the world.”

Covington was on the cage for Edwards’ victory over his bitter rival Usman and was even the main event substitute.

The former interim welterweight champion tried his best to fit into Edwards’ future but was shot down by the champion.

He said: “I just don’t see Colby sitting out a year and then slipping back into a title shot.

“I had to work so hard to get there, he said who he is, but now I’m the king. I will decide who is next.”

Covington said of his backup role, “I’m ready to fight tonight as you can see.

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“I came over and lost 18 pounds, didn’t cry about it and made excuses.

“I’m the ultimate pro unlike these other guys as I’m always ready to fight.”

Seconds into the main event, Covington tweeted, “See you in July @Leon_edwardsmma.”

Edward’s shot was spot on in his first title defense and he was quick to praise former pound-for-pound Usman.

He said: “I want to thank him, he was a great competitor.

“I tried to get the headbutt but fair to him because he had a perfect defense.”