Chael Sonnen says he’s been told that Leon Edwards was offered some incentive to make way for a UFC Welterweight Title fight between Kamaru Usman and Conor McGregor.
Many believe that Edwards will be next in line for a shot at Usman’s 170-pound gold. It’s even been reported that the UFC has been targeting the title fight for July. As much as many MMA fans don’t want to hear it, some feel that McGregor’s return timeline could throw those plans out the window.
Chael Sonnen Hears Leon Edwards Offered Step-Aside Money
Taking to his own YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen revealed that he’s been told the UFC wants to book Usman vs. McGregor and has offered Leon Edwards his show and win money to try to make it happen (h/t BJPenn.com).
“I am being told that Leon has been offered his show and his win, whatever was negotiated for Leon to fight Kamaru is being offered to him. We will mail you a check to step aside. We have the right to push you aside, (but) we don’t want any hard feelings. And, we acknowledge that you deserve this. So, we are going to send you what you agreed on and you get to stay home.’ With the belief being that Conor’s gonna step in.”
The general consensus is that Edwards is the most deserving of a UFC Welterweight Title shot. Don’t tell that to Belal Muhammad, however.
With that said, obviously, McGregor is MMA’s biggest draw. He has been recovering from a broken tibia and fibula. He underwent successful surgery and has been putting on some mass. The “Notorious” one did tell The Mac Life that he thinks he is finished at lightweight.