Former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards has taken stock following his title fight loss to Belal Muhammad and is ready to get back to work as he looks to recapture the 170-pound title in 2025.
In an interview with MyProtein, Edwards outlined his plan for the next year, as he aims to return to the welterweight summit by the end of 2025.
"My goal right now is to get the belt back," he said.
"I'd like to be champion by the end of next year — around this time next year – so I'm just putting steps in place."
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Viral knockout at UFC 278 propelled Leon Edwards to UFC welterweight title
After a lengthy campaign to earn a shot at the undisputed UFC welterweight title that saw him compile a 10-fight unbeaten streak in the Octagon, Edwards finally got his shot at championship gold at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City, where his dramatic last-minute knockout of Kamaru Usman delivered one of the all-time great championship moments in UFC history.
Edwards went on to outpoint Usman via majority decision in their rematch at UFC 286 in London, and the Englishman followed up that victory with another decision win as he dominated Colby Covington over the five-round duration at UFC 296 in Las Vegas.
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Leon Edwards aims to bounce back after title loss at UFC 304
Edwards' title reign came to an abrupt halt at UFC 304 this summer when he was well beaten by Belal Muhammad in Manchester. Edwards has taken time to process the shock and disappointment of that defeat and is now ready to return to action as he looks to win his way back to the belt in a crowded welterweight division.
"I haven't lost a fight in like nine years," Edwards explained.
"It's getting used to that feeling again, but I feel like I hate losing more than I love winning. There's not much you can do now, you know? Just move on from that and put it behind you.
“For me, it's more about what's next and how do you get back to where you want to get to. My goal is to be a two-time world champion."
