Leon Edwards Releases Statement on Exit from Khamzat Chimaev Bout

It’s been a disappointing 2020 for Leon Edwards, to say the least.

A scheduled headlining clash with Tyron Woodley on home soil in March was canceled, and more recently, Edwards was forced to withdraw from a main event showdown with red-hot prospect Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Fight Night 183 on Dec. 19. In both cases, COVID-19 was to blame. In the first instance, the onset of the pandemic brought the UFC’s slate of events to a screeching halt, and the second time around, the a difficult bout with the virus itself left Edwards no choice but to exit the card.

The welterweight contender released a statement regarding the cancellation of the UFC Fight Night 183 headliner on Twitter.

“Another setback, but when you come from the mud you learn to put everything in perspective,” Edwards wrote. “This virus has affected many lives and families much worse than mine. Looking forward to getting this rebooked soon, thank you all for the well wishes.”

Another setback, but when you come from the mud you learn to put everything in perspective. This virus has affected many lives and families much worse than mine. Looking forward to getting this rebooked soon, thank you all for the well wishes

— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 2, 2020

The promotion is reportedly planning to rebook Edwards vs. Chimaev early next year. The 29-year-old Edwards is currently on an eight-fight winning streak in UFC competition but hasn’t fought since outpointing Rafael dos Anjos in the UFC on ESPN 4 main event in July 2019.