Ariel Helwani unveils Leon Edwards’ backbreaking life story: A father given to gangs and drugs, a single mother at 15 and much more
British mixed martial artist Leon Edwards' difficult upbringing has been brought to light by renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. Edwards, who is preparing to defend his title against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286, has faced numerous challenges throughout his life.
Speaking of Edwards' childhood, Helwani spoke about 'Rocky' growing up without a father and not even knowing that he had a brother (Fabian Edwards) until the age of six. His father was involved in gangs and drugs, and Edwards' family life was far from stable. When Edwards was a teenager, his family moved to Birmingham in the UK for a better life, but instead found more trouble with gangs and drugs. His father was murdered during this time, leaving Edwards to grow up with his single mother.
It was at this point that Leon Edwards' life took a positive turn. Walking past a gym one day, his mother suggested that he try mixed martial arts (MMA) to keep him off the streets. This led Edwards down a path of success and determination, ultimately leading him to become a professional fighter.
"He [Leon Edwards] has a father who is involved in gangs, in the drugs scene... doesn't even know that he has a brother. His brother is living with his grandmother. His brother Fabian [Edwards], a great Bellator fighter. They meet when they are six. They move to UK... better life in Birmingham, which you know, doesn't get the shine, that London does... It's the trenches, it's the working class, right? He goes there, and it's more trouble, it's more bad news, it's more gangs, it's more drugs, it's more of that, his father gets murdered. A guy who grows up without a dad. A guy who grows up with his single mother who had him when she was fifteen years old."
He continued:
"This is what he grew up in, this is the type of scene he grew up in. And they walking by a gym when he's a teenager, and she [his mother] says, 'maybe you should try this MMA thing because I need you off the streets.' And it's that exact road that led him to Saturday [defending his belt against Usman at UFC 286]. "
Despite the numerous obstacles he faced, Leon Edwards never gave up on his dreams. His story is one of resilience and perseverance, and he hopes to inspire others who have faced similar challenges.
Check out the video below:
"Man! When is it gonna go my way??"
Leon Edwards Incredible Story.
@arielhelwani https://t.co/jLDFruNmyc
UFC 286: Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman trilogy
The highly anticipated UFC 286 event is scheduled for Saturday, March 18th at the O2 Arena in London. Fans are eagerly waiting for the action-packed fights, including the Edwards vs. Usman 3 showdown. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and ESPN PPV. Indian viewers can catch the main card on Sunday, March 19th, at 2:30 am.