“Rocky” wants his title back.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight champion Leon Edwards returns to action next weekend (Sat., Nov. 15, 2025) when he faces fan favorite Carlos Prates at UFC 322, live from the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Edwards (21-5, 1 NC) is currently on the first two-fight losing skid of his professional career, having dropped his title to Belal Muhammad before suffering a lopsided submission loss to Sean Brady in London (watch highlights). Now, the Birmingham native is looking to rebound in style — and climb his way back into the title picture with two big wins over top names, starting at MSG.
“I fought all the wrestlers in the division. Now I finally get to get my hands on a striker and be more free flowing,” Edwards told UFC. “I’m excited to go out there and put my skills up against his. The division right now is wide open. I feel like the cards back-to-back is [great] — My card and then you got Belal and Ian [Garry] the week after.”
“After MSG, I put on the best performance of my life — that sets me up for one more fight in March or April,” Edwards added. “Then I fight for the title in the summer. That’s what I’m envisioning. I go out there, take him out, and I’d like to get Ian next and put him away.”
Nevertheless, Edwards feels revitalized since losing to Brady in his home country of London.
“I’m truly feeling the best I’ve ever felt in my life,” Edwards concluded. “I’ve refocused, I’ve regained where I left off. I’m excited to go out there and perform in an arena like MSG. I’m taking it with both arms — excited, focused, and ready.”
Check out the entire UFC 321 card fight here