Report | Leon Edwards turned down multiple opponents including Covington and Neal before being removed from rankings

Leon Edwards reportedly turned down multiple opponents before he was removed from the UFC rankings.

Edwards hasn’t fought since July of last year when he defeated Rafael dos Anjos by decision. Since then, he was scheduled to fight Tyron Woodley in March. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Edwards was then locked down in England and couldn’t train properly so he turned down multiple fights.

On Thursday, it was revealed the Brit was removed from the rankings due to inactivity. He later confirmed over text to BJPENN.com.

Now, according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, another reason why he was removed was due to the fact he turned down several fights.

After the Woodley fight fell through in March, the next offer came on short notice to fight Usman in July, then Covington when Woodley fight was iffy, then Geoff Neal and then Khamzat Chimaev on 12/19. Edwards didn’t agree to those fights.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 22, 2020

“After the Woodley fight fell through in March, the next offer came on short notice to fight Usman in July. Then Covington when Woodley fight was iffy, then Geoff Neal and then Khamzat Chimaev on 12/19. Edwards didn’t agree to those fights,” Helwani reported.

It was common knowledge Edwards was offered the Kamaru Usman fight on short notice at UFC 251 but declined due to the fact he couldn’t train. What is interesting is the fact he was offered fights against Colby Covington, Geoff Neal, and Khamzat Chimaev and turned them all down.

There is no question Edwards deserved a top-ranked opponent at welterweight but it appears he won’t be getting one. So, following his removal from the rankings he actually took to Twitter to call out Chimaev and say he will fight him. It does make sense as if Chimaev wins, he would get a title shot and prove he is legit. For Edwards, it is a chance to get back in the Octagon. It would also get some hype behind his name if he beats Chimaev.

What do you make of Leon Edwards reportedly turning down multiple opponents?