Leon Edwards seeks redemption with new grappling coach after title loss

In the UK, Leon Edwards suffered a significant setback in his MMA career when he lost his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad in July 2023. This defeat marked the end of a remarkable nine-year unbeaten streak for Edwards, who had previously demonstrated skillful grappling against notable opponents such as Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. Following his title loss, Edwards reevaluated his training approach, deciding to enhance his grappling skills through the addition of a specialized coach, while maintaining the core of his longstanding team. Ahead of his upcoming fight on March 22, 2025, against Sean Brady, another wrestler, Edwards expressed confidence in this strategic pivot, emphasizing the necessity of growth without abandoning his established support system. He stated that his grappling was misjudged based on his last performance against Muhammad, insisting that he remains a well-rounded fighter capable of competing effectively in mixed martial arts. Preparation for the bout against Brady included a focus on combating wrestling techniques, as Brady trained in a similar style. Edwards has acknowledged the pressures of returning to competition after such a pivotal loss and the expectations that accompany him in his quest to reclaim the championship. The fight is crucial not only for personal redemption but also for positioning him back into title contention, promising to be an intense showcase of skill and determination. Edwards' back-and-forth with Muhammad in the lead-up to the fight, particularly through social media, indicates a blend of mental resilience and his desire to minimize distractions while staying focused on the upcoming challenge at UFC London. As he prepares to step back into the Octagon, Edwards aims to demonstrate his refined grappling abilities and reaffirm his status as a leading contender in the welterweight division.