Image via UFC
At the O2 Arena in London in 2019, Leon Edwards was heckled in front of his home crowd. He was honored on Saturday in the same place as maybe the best British mixed martial artist ever.
Birmingham’s Edwards, 31, followed fellow Briton Michael Bisping’s lead by successfully defending a world title for the first time in his victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286.
If Edwards wins in his next match, he will surpass Bisping as the British fighter with the most successful title defences.
Although it hasn’t always been that way, Edwards’ supporters expressed their support for him throughout the London event by screaming his nickname “Rocky” and enthusiastically applauding each punch he delivered to his Nigerian opponent.
Four years ago, the crowd supported Gunnar Nelson, a well-liked Icelandic opponent of Edwards, and booed the British fighter as he battled his way to a split decision victory.
“I took the longest road to get here. I’ve earned my respect the hard way. No one gave me nothing. It makes [this win] even more satisfying for me, my team, the UK and mixed martial arts,” said Edwards.
“It means the world to me. I feel it’s every kid’s dream, and to have it happen at 31 years old after such a rough patch in my career, it’s really the icing on the cake.”