Edwards’ Run After Losing to Brady
On March 22, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 255 in London, England, former welterweight champion Leon Edwards suffered a stunning fourth-round submission loss to Sean Brady via guillotine choke. This marked Edwards’ second consecutive defeat, following his title loss to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in July 2024. The back-to-back setbacks have sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the future of the once-dominant fighter.
Edwards, who previously held a 13-fight unbeaten streak and was regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best in the sport, now finds himself in unfamiliar territory. Against Brady, Edwards struggled to counter his opponent’s relentless grappling and control, landing zero strikes in two rounds before succumbing to the submission. The loss was particularly shocking given Edwards’ reputation for his striking precision and defensive prowess.
The fallout from these defeats has been intense. UFC analyst Din Thomas labeled Edwards as “not a true fighter,” while former rival Jorge Masvidal suggested that Edwards take an extended break from competition. Masvidal, who has long sought a grudge match with Edwards, believes the timing is perfect for their long-awaited clash. Fans and analysts alike have debated whether Edwards’ confidence and mindset have been affected by his recent struggles.
Despite the criticism, Edwards remains defiant. In a recent Instagram post, he broke his silence with the caption, “Still HIM,” signaling his determination to bounce back. Edwards’ team has hinted at a potential return later this year, with a high-profile matchup likely to reignite his career.
Before his recent losses, Edwards’ reign as welterweight champion included victories over elite contenders such as Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. His iconic head-kick knockout of Usman at UFC 278 remains one of the most memorable moments in UFC history. However, the road back to title contention will be challenging, as the division continues to evolve with rising stars and formidable contenders.
(Sources: Bloody Elbow, MMA Junkie, SportsCasting)
