Conor McGregor has claimed that Leon Edwards' welterweight world win over Kamaru Usman should be winning awards for more than just comeback of the year.
The Brit was a massive underdog when he travelled to Salt Lake City to face the seemingly-unbeatable Usman, who had never lost in the UFC and had held the belt for a lengthy title reign. And after losing the fight for almost the entirety of the five rounds, he managed to pull out an iconic head-kick knockout.
Many outlets have named Edwards' victory the comeback of the year which, while an accurate portrayal, McGregor feels is not telling the whole story. The Irishman is stablemates with the Brit under Paradigm Sports management and founder Audie Attar, and believes that there should be even more appreciation for his accomplishment.
"Stop the nonsense," McGregor wrote in a tweet praising Edwards. "'Comeback' of the year, this is EVERYTHING of the year! Bar none. The timing of commentary. The timing of the fight. The shot itself. The KO. The ramifications. The post speech. Pound for pound head shot. Dead! This lives on! Team Paradigm Sports."
The Irishman is still out of action with his broken leg but when he returns, he will join Edwards in the UFC's welterweight division. He wants to win another world title at an unprecedented third weight class, but likely needs a few wins before he would reach the point of facing the likes of Edwards.
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In the meantime, the Brit will return to action for his first title defence at The O2 Arena in London next March, with his opponent unconfirmed amid rumours that Usman has injured his hand. Edwards could face Belal Muhammad in a rematch, or take on former interim champion Colby Covington if the trilogy with his old rival is unavailable.
UFC president Dana White announced that a title fight will top the bill in a statement which read: "Everyone knows how much I love our fans in the UK. We had two incredible shows in London in 2022, and this time we’re bringing a world title fight with the biggest and baddest card we could put together at The O2 on March 18. The UK MMA scene is exploding with talent right now and I can’t wait to show you guys what we have in store for you next year.”
