MMA Fighting - Leon Edwards on Ending the Hype Surrounding Khamzat Chimaev and His Title Fight Hopes for 2021

Episode Date: November 12, 2020

Leon Edwards explains how he ended up with the fight against Khamzat Chimaev, his desire to end the hype surrounding the undefeated prospect and the chances that a win on Dec. 19 will finally earn him a long awaited title shot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You're listening to the Vox Media Podcast Network. 2020 has been a crazy year for a lot of people in the mixed martial arts industry, but I don't know if there's anybody that's had quite the year that our next guest has had. Supposed to fight Tyrone Woodley back in March, the fight got canceled due to the pandemic. The pandemic has kind of wreaked havoc on his entire career this year, but on December 19th, he will return and headline the upcoming UFC Fight Night Card from Las Vegas. here's my conversation with number three ranked welterweight Leon Edwards how is how is everything over in the UK I know you guys are dealing with another

another lockdown over there how is everything? Not good good I'm still able to train so that's the main thing right so as before from the first lockdown everyone got in a panic and nobody to know what's happening in the world but now we've kind of got hang of it and I'm still allowed to train all my training the point partners or selective. And it's more like a boxing camp now, right? It was just smaller groups, but it's all concentrated

and me winning. Yeah. Has that been, I mean, obviously you got kind of thrown into upheaval the last time with the whole time and Woodley fight when everything got locked down. Like, did this give you a chance to actually get a little bit more prepared for how you're going to do your camp and everything dealing with the lockdown this time? Yeah, for sure, 100%. Like I said, as before, the old world was in a panic, right?

could no one know what was going on. As before, as well, the gym was closed. You weren't allowed to. You weren't allowed to go to the gym and use the gym. But now we can use the gym if you're a professional firing. So it's way more easier now, and we know what to do, how to approach it. And so it's definitely bad, 100% better, so it's good. Yeah.

Leon, let's backtrack, because last time we spoke is when you were still trying to, you know, find a fight, you know, obviously at that point you said, you know, The only two fights really made sense for you were either, well, obviously, the title fight, but either that or, you know, Mazadol or Covington. And then, unfortunately, that didn't come together. And at that point, you told me, you didn't really have a lot of interest in Wonderboy, and you really didn't have a lot of interest in Comzat Shamaa, because Wonderboy really didn't do a lot for you where he was at his career.

And Shemayev just hadn't fought anybody yet. He was, you know, three fights in his career, one fight at Welchewitt, and it was against the guy who was not at Welchewate and took the fight on short notice, you know, a lot of factors in there. So walk me through. How do we go from that to where you are now headlining your card in December against Kamazachimae. How did this all happen?

Well, I don't know. I'm calling out. Since the wooded, I had canceled in March, on a week's notice, I've been trying to call out all these top guys to compete and to get a fight, you know what I mean? And they all turp me down, they all said now. So outside a towel shot, I was like, okay, he's the next for the height. basically, the biggest

name right now and the hype is running right now. And that's this Kazna Kidd, I feel, anyway. I know Wonderwell called me out, but let's say I got there and I do beat Wonderboy. I don't think it does nothing for me or my career. I've been in the same position that I'm in right now.

So, sad that it is, even the Wonderboy is four for a title twice and is ranked in the division. If I've got it down to be him, I don't still it does not. For me, that's the way the UFC is right now, you know what I mean? So, like I said, I thought, okay, what's the next best option?

I was our car shot. And it's him. So this is where we're here right now, fighting in December. Yeah. Now, we know everything that kind of went down. It was like a rapid fire sequence of events because we had the whole controversy with you being pulled from the rankings, and then within 24 hours you're right back in there, and then we get this fight announcement.

Was there any, you know, pressure from the UFC? you to fight this fight or was this always in your mind? Like, I, because I know you've wanted to fight. You've been itching to fight. Yeah, I'm not really. I cannot tell you what I do with that ranking situation. I was in the middle of negotiations and then I saw all of my Instagram was there. You should have thought Wonderboy been removed, blah, blah, blah.

I was like, what? So I went on my phone and I was still in the rankings, right? So I feel it took me out like an arrow, so I put me back in. I could not tell you what happened in that situation but right number three in the world I'll be fine for the world title next after going out there and beat this kid so that's all I'm concerned about.

Yeah, ultimately through the negotiation and ending up in this main event fight against Chimae, were you happy? You know, obviously in an ideal world you'd be fighting for the title but you know, because you can't have that right now. Ideally, were you okay with this situation? Yeah, for sure 100%.

Like I said, I saw a title shot. I believe he's the biggest fight. Also, my son, I probably wouldn't have been good as well, but you turn the fight down. So far as that, to guarantee me what's next? I think this is the biggest fight to guarantee me what's next. You know what I mean? Like I said, go out there, fight like a Wonderboy,

something like that. There's nothing for me. So I'm happy with my decision, and how can I wait to go out of my case? Yeah. There's a lot to be said about hype in this sport. We've seen a lot of guys and a lot of girls come in with a lot of hype. And, you know, sometimes it pays off.

You get a Rhonda Rousey who goes out there, becomes a superstar. And in Connor, another case of a guy who paid off, he ended up becoming a superstar. But we've seen other people, you know, kind of fall face first with that hype. Now, in this fight, Kamsat doesn't have a ranking. He's not a ranked guy. But I got to be honest, I think this fight does more for you than fighting other rank guys. And I'm not going to name names. I don't want to insult anybody.

But do you feel like that's kind of the purpose of a fight? just because there's so much hype behind this guy, beating him actually does more for you than maybe beating another ranked opponent. Exactly, exactly. That was my thinking going into this, you know what I mean? The USC loves him, then they love him, they love him, the old thinking can't be beat, you know what I mean?

So when I got there and take him out, I can't see what they can say next to give me my title shot. I've been a nine-fought win streak. So I believe this was a fight to make And now here we are, so it's good Yeah, have you, this is such a tough question Because at this point, Kamsat Jamiyev is 3 in his career And obviously three impressive wins

But then when you look at the competition And again, I have nothing against you A Gerald Mershard or any of the other guys he fought But I think they have a combined I think it did the math I want to say it was like a 7 and 8 record in the UFC And all those wins were basically One win by John Phillips and everybody else

was Gerald Nersh. I can't read the exact record, but it wasn't a great record. But again, you know, credit to him for going on and doing what he did. But, like, have you been impressed by, like, have you been buying into the hype behind Kamsat Shemayev? Nah.

Nah, 100% not. Therefore, not, you know what I mean. Like I said, I've been in his position before. I know how he feels, you know what I mean? But he's, I don't think he what he thinks he is. So I mean, like I say, competition that he's full in his whole career, he's for the same competition at that level

you know what I mean and so this is a total different level that he's stepping up to and I cannot wait to show him and to see his face once I start hitting him and once I drag him into deep quarters and start taking him down because everyone's good when they're the bully right

when they're on the front foot when they're when everything's going their way that's when everyone's good you know I mean let's see I react and it's not going his way and he's in the third fourth half foot round and he has to pull something at the bag, you know what I mean? So I cannot wait to show it, and I cannot wait to see what everyone says after. Yeah.

You know, obviously, the talk is part of the sport. We understand that, you know, the trash talk, the talking is going to be part of it. You know, he's shown a lot of confidence. And again, undefeated, you're going to have that kind of, you know, that kind of swagger about you a little bit. I get it. But do you feel like, in terms of competition, like,

and again, I mean, it goes without saying this is a massive step-up in competition, but do you feel like this is ultimately, just too much too soon for a guy like this. Yeah, 100%. I think, like I said, I know the US pro bank in Dane anyway. I know I was praying that you want that this kid win, but I'll be way too much for him in there,

I'm telling you, you know what I mean? It would be way too much. And they've done this before with our fires, you know what I mean? The try to get one, two good wins in their career, and the U.S. you kind of push them straight to the top and then they get beat, you know what I mean? And as like in boxing,

if you're like a good prospect to kind of build you slowly and make you learn to trade tricks for the trade and go through adversities you know what I mean in the USA the kind of this is like they've done it to men that other fires you can name you know I mean

and it's not worked out you can just name two fires Connor and and and a rousy and that's what the own two fires it's worked out for and even they got beat in the end I mean so um let's see

let's see yeah I know what you said there I believe 110 percent Dana White will never ever go on the record and say he's ever rooting for one fighter to win another. I understand he's never going to say that. But I think privately, I think we can all see sometimes where maybe he's rooting, you know, rooting for certain outcomes. And listen, I get, it's a business. Like, you know, I understand you want Connor to be the guy on top because Connor's the guy who sells the most, I get it. I can't fault him for that.

But like, is there any part of you, you're on an eight-fight win streak, number three-ranked guy in the world? You obviously should have fought Woodley early this year, and that probably would have secured your title shot, of course, before all this craziness happened. But is there any party that gets a little frustrated or kind of angry that it does seem like maybe they're rooting for him to win, or do you just kind of let it roll off your back and maybe serve as motivation? Yeah, it's more motivation for me. I understand this business, right, and I understand that they're trying to invest into this kid. So it's more for me, you know, motivation to show them once again why I'm on a favorite street.

why I believe I am the best in the world and I mean so I don't really look looking too much as you have motivation put it on my back and just keep working keep keep going towards what I want to achieve and that's to be a champion so I'll keep doing my thing and yeah there is something satisfying though

about kind of proving people wrong kind of you know squashing that hype train what you know disappointing data whatever you want to say it is there's something is talking about that though, right? Yeah, exactly, exactly. You know what Kibib? When I was in, I'm going to smash your boy.

You know, that when Kiv did it? That's exactly our feel, right? Then I'm going to smash your boy, and I cannot wait, and it's going to be a very good night come December. Yeah, I don't like to get too much into game plan or anything,

but again, what we've seen out of tomorrow, what we know he comes from, is that wrestling background, that Dagestanita, that Russian wrestling background. Obviously, you've shown that you are a true mixed martial arts you can do it at all. But in that aspect, if he does try to go out there and let's just say, I'm just going to, for easier terms, you go out there and try to Khabibu, you, how confident are you in that aspect

of the realm if he does got to, you know, if he does try to go out there and just simply, you know, take you to the ground and try and, I don't say out-wrestle you, but out-graple you. I am very comfortable when it comes to wrestling. and I've grown leaps and bounds since my last loss. And I've done for them taking down since, you know what I mean? I've grown. I've learned the game. I understand the positions.

And this is not a wrestling fight. This is an MMA fight. And I'll be hitting him with shots. I'll be taking him down. You know what I mean? I'll be working in the clinch. So it would be a very entertaining fight. And I cannot wait.

What is the ideal outcome in this five really? Leon, is it, you know, would you like to go out there and, you know, smoke him in 30 seconds? Like, when you play this fight out in your head, is it, you know, dragging him into the third and fourth round and kind of seeing that, you know, that tired look on his face coming out of the corner and you put him away, like, in an ideal world, how do you finish this fight? Um, you know, I do not, like, drag him a little bit, you know what I mean, just to prove my point out. You're not on my left, you know, I mean, drag him a little bit and it stopped him late. I deal well, but I'm going to get to finish. I'm full up for that over a year. I'm refreshed.

I'll feel good. My body feels good. I'm more focused than I've ever been, especially for this fight, because I know that they're picking. They're going against me. It serves more motivation. I mean, I'm going in there solid, and I cannot wait. Yeah.

Now, it goes without singly on. You win this fight, Maine of End, December 19th, to close out the year in the right way. I assume, but I'll ask you the question. Has it been told to you, have you been, you know, at least know the knowledge that a win here, you will get your title shot? Is that the stakes of this fight for you? Yeah, I believe.

So that's what's been mentioned in negotiations. I believe. So I can't see a way to go. Let's say when I do go out the win, I'm constantly giving, obviously, can I guarantee nothing because you or see a, but I just can't see them saying. Kobe go next or Marcelo go next, you know what I mean?

Because they just got beat under a year ago, I'll probably say. Marcelo was in the summer and Kobe was before that. Bob got knocked out for the title. Massele got fucking howled for the title. Got beat easy for the title.

So I think I'm next guy. I've been nine-fight win streak. Beat everyone they put in front of me. Beat the main kid they're trying to build up. So I think after this, it'll be a war title shot for me. I don't know that I've ever asked you this question before in our previous interviews, but I'll ask you now the fight that we think is still going to happen.

Again, things can change. You go out there, and let's say you knock out Kanzachman in the first round, you may jump over Gilbert Burns. But hypothetically, if Gilbert Burns is still fighting Kumar Usman, I don't think I've asked you, but do you believe Usman will beat him? Yeah, I believe. So I think Ben just to beat fast Usman, I will say. So probably, yeah, I think,

I'd be surprised if Burns wins, you know what I mean? So I'll probably go to win. And for me, I probably want Usman to win because he'd be sweeter for me to go out there and compete against him and to beat him and to tear the belt off him, you know what I mean? So, yeah, I probably could win. Yeah, yeah. And I know it's funny because for as much as you want to fight him,

and I know, again, you know, he's the last guy to hold a win over you several years ago, there is a lot of respect there, and I know you've heard from him. Usman has said your name quite a bit, And I know as a challenger and a guy going for his title, that does mean something, right? That the champion has absolutely recognized you. Yeah, 100% for sure. I think he was in the same position of me, right, at one point.

I think he was the real, real, realized real, right? So it's fair play to him. I mean, he's a champion. I can't wait to run that one back, and I cannot wait to be a world champion. So fair play, I respect him. But my dream is to be a world champion. I'm going to wait.

Yeah. Now, this is a tough question to ask and probably a tougher one to answer, but if everything goes well in December 19th, you beat Comps out to my wife. And I said, if you knock them out, you might just leap to the front of the line. You know, you might get your title shot right then. But hypothetically, at that point,

are you willing to wait for a title shot knowing it might be a few months? Like, again, you've had to go through such a kind of a crappy year this year with all the waiting and everything. At that point, they say you're guaranteed you're getting your title shot. Can I assume you would be willing to wait for it at that point? Um, I don't know. Let's see. Let's see. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. When the back, when they're playing to make that fight, right? So, I don't know. Let's see. I'll December the 19th. Go out there, I'll smoke him, um, Kazmat and then, let's see. I don't

know. I don't know. I want, I'm not only waiting for another year. Anyway, I tell you that. So, um, let's see what happened. Yeah, I think that's the one thing that kind of bugs me about the entire situation. It's like everyone's saying Leon's been out for so long. I'm like, yeah, but if it wasn't for this pandemic, you probably would have fought Woodley

and probably fought for the title by now, which is how crazy this year's been. Yeah, for sure. Like, this year was like mocked up for me, right? I was meant to fight Woodley from a first main event in London, in the UK. Then I've guaranteed

number one all title shot next. I'll try and have like free fights here. This would be my third fight now after the war after the pandemic didn't hit. You know what I mean? But the way people are making out, it's like, it's my fault that the pandemic hit and what could be. You know, I mean, and that's not the case.

I've done everything my power to try to fight these guys and try to fight these top guys and the Okiy turned them down, you know what I mean? So it is. Yeah, well, like I said, there is something to be said about hype. And again, you know, this is like I said, that Connor, that Ronda, that kind of attention. You go out there and beat Kanzat. Again, I say it and I mean it could be bigger than a ranked fighter. This could be the fight that, you know, kind of put you over at the top. And I love this main event.

It's a main event, spotlight on you. You got to love that. Good, man. Yeah, I believe so-va. I believe this is the fight that will push me to get to real and get to, you know what I mean? I don't feel being in any of the guys, like Wonderboy, something like that, would have done this, done it for me. I mean, so I believe so-va.

Yeah, absolutely. Well, Leon, thank you so much for the time. obviously have a good training camp. A fight is creeping up around the corner. I look at the dates. I'm like, oh, man, it actually is pretty close now at this point. So thank you, as always, for taking the time. Safe travels over to the Statesman, have a good training camp,

and I'm sure we will catch up afterwards. Good, man. Thank you, brother. All right. Talk to you soon. Bye-bye. Bye-bye. You're listening to the Vox Media Podcast Network.