Leon Edwards will next defend the title against Colby Covington after beating Kamaru Usman in the trilogy, Dana White confirms

DANA WHITE has named Colby Covington as the next man in line for Leon Edwards’ welterweight title.

Britain’s Edwards defended the strap in an immediate rematch against Kamaru Usman, six months after his head kick KO.

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He emerged as the points winner at the O2 Arena ahead of Covington, who came in as a backup opponent.

And UFC President White announced that the American bad boy will be next in contention for Edward’s title.

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, 35, has not fought since March 2022 when he defeated bitter rival-turned-friend Jorge Masvidal, 37, on points.

It was Masvidal who attacked 30-year-old Edwards backstage at UFC London in 2019, fueling a feud between the two.

The ex-title challenger returns next month against Gilbert Burns, 36, while Edwards has his eyes on settling an old score.

He said: “I don’t know how Colby makes sense. He hasn’t fought in over a year and a half.

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“There are other active guys in the division. I’m the king now, I’ve earned my way and should decide who’s next.

“If Jorge Masvidal beats Gilbert Burns, that’s the fight to be fought when it comes to pay-per-view.

“I had to fight 12 times for a title shot and he said he didn’t know who I was.

“I am the king, I decide who is next. Masvidal, I don’t like him, so I want him. I think it would be an easy fight for me, he’s a maniac.”

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