Ben Askren names ideal opponent for Leon Edwards' upcoming title defense after 'Rocky' snubs Colby Covington
Leon Edwards has no interest in facing Colby Covington for the welterweight title, citing the latter's lack of combat activity. Former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion Ben Askren claimed that Belal Muhammad is deserving of an opportunity to fight for the title.
Speaking on Daniel Cormier's Check-In, the retired mixed martial artist stated:
"The one I think should get the title shot is Belal. Belal is now - I think he's 8-0. He's won weight in a row, maybe, and he already had the no contest against Leon, right, they were already supposed to fight. They were in the cage together. They were fighting and there was an eye poke so he's the one that I think should get it."
Ben Askren added:
"The rumors I was hearing today were Shavkat [Rakhmonov] and Belal, and then the winner of Jorge [Masvidal] and Gilbert [Burns at UFC 287] versus Leon. I don't really hate that. I'm good with that... I don't like Jorge, but that being said - he hasn't won a fight - if he beats Gilbert Burns, I'm okay with it because Gilbert Burns is the real deal."
Check out Ben Askren's comments on the welterweight title picture below (starting at the 4:55 mark):
While UFC President Dana White has suggested that Colby Covington will receive the next welterweight title shot, there are many who feel that the division has more deserving contenders. 'Chaos' has not fought in over a year and did not respond to call-outs from the four fighters directly underneath him in the rankings.
What did Leon Edwards say about facing Colby Covington?
Leon Edwards was able to defend his welterweight title at UFC 286. UFC President Dana White claimed that Colby Covington will be his opponent in his next title defense, however, 'Rocky' hinted that he will refuse to sign the contract. During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, the welterweight champion stated:
"I definitely have a say and he ain't getting the title shot next fight... He's getting rewarded for not taking the [Khamzat Chimaev] fight. When it was me, I got removed from the rankings. The Dana White privilege is definitely real."
Check out Leon Edwards' comments on Colby Covington below:
Leon Edwards talks Colby Covington.
#TheMMAHour https://t.co/GUtHdB8juL
It remains to be seen if Edwards will indeed refuse to sign the contract to face Covington. Despite numerous call-outs, 'Chaos' has not fought since defeating Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 over a year ago. He has won just two of his past four bouts.