Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at English welterweight Leon Edwards as he debuts against Brazilian Claudio Silva at UFC Fight Night 56. Leon “Rocky” Edwards Hometown: England Age: 23 Height: 6’1” Reach: N/A Weight class: Welterweight Camp: Ultimate Training Centre Career Record: 8-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The former BAMMA welterweight champion enters the UFC at just 23 years old becoming one of the youngest in the division on the roster. The three year pro is a dangerous striker and is exciting addition to the welterweight division. Strengths
- Gifted striker
- Nice variety in his striking
- Strikes well in clinch situations scoring with elbows and knees
- Anticipates takedowns well and will deliver a knee as opponents approach
- Very good power capable of finishing in a variety of ways
- Offensive wrestling isn’t pretty, but can be effective
Weaknesses
- Tends to throw one off / two-strike attacks as opposed to developed combinations
- Takedown defense average at best
- When put on his back very difficult to get back to his feet
- Too complacent in top control allowing opponent to recover
Matchup with Claudio Silva Leon Edwards enters this matchup with just one loss (by disqualification) and is one of the better prospects in English MMA. He’s the rightful favorite in his matchup with Claudio Silva because he’s a vastly better striker than his Brazilian opponent. In Silva’s UFC debut he took advantage of an overly aggressive striker in Brad Scott scoring desperation takedowns in a close win. Edwards is calculated and more importantly a counter-striker. His preference to look for opportunities as opposed to forcing them gives him a real advantage in defending the takedown. Scott hurt Silva a few times in that bout and I fully expect Edwards to do that in this bout. Edwards possesses more power and better technique/variety in his strikes. Look for Edwards to have a great debut and secure a knockout in Brazil. UFC Ceiling Leon Edwards is a young, improving fighter with an exciting style. He’s the type of fighter that the UFC likes to sign. Unfortunately for the UFC, quality young strikers are not readily available. Edwards kicking / knee-strike ability is at a high level giving him the opportunity to compete right away against decent opposition. Edwards will need to work on his wrestling and moreso his takedown defense. He needs to avoid being neutralized on the mat. In a division made up a lot of grapplers in the top 15, he won’t be able to compete with them unless this improves. Edwards is one to watch early on in his UFC career as he potentially has a high ceiling if he puts the work in. Fight Film Check out Edwards in some of his recent fights: Leon Edwards vs Shaun Taylor for the BAMMA Welterweight Championship
Leon Edwards vs Wendle Lewis