Chael Sonnen believes fans are forgetting who the welterweight champion is, and it's Leon Edwards' fault
Chael Sonnen is of the opinion that MMA fans are forgetting that Leon Edwards is the welterweight champion of the UFC, and it is partly 'Rocky's fault.
The former UFC middleweight title contender's observation is derived from a quote that he deemed appropriate for the scenario: "Success is something that people have to be reminded of often."
Leon Edwards snapped back from adversity in the later rounds of his UFC 278 rematch against Kamaru Usman to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The thrilling knockout and 'Rocky's story resonated with fans worldwide, who poured their love and appreciation for the freshly crowned welterweight champion.
"LOOK AT ME NOW!"
"POUND FOR POUND WHAT?!"
"WE CAN WIN A BELT FROM THE UK!"
INJECT THIS @Leon_edwardsmma ENERGY INTO OUR VEINS!
#UFC278 https://t.co/SUyR8srUNH
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen stated that he was amongst the many who found joy in Edwards' victory. Having said that, he also feels that the Brummie has lost track of what is expected from the champion:
"It's one of the things that you have to remind people often of success. And I haven't seen Leon shoving this belt down everybody's throat and everybody's a**... Because Leon is the [most] feel-good story possibly in the history of my career in MMA."
Sonnen added:
"That was his moment. He didn't have anything to go back to. He wanted to thank his team and he wanted to talk to his mother. That was a cool moment. But I do feel that many people continue to forget that Leon's the champion and not Kamaru Usman."
Watch the full video below:
Chael Sonnen believes that "no salesman in the world" can sell Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal
Leon Edwards wants to seek revenge for the backstage altercation with Jorge Masvidal. MMA fans brutally mocked Edwards for the longest time with the "three-piece and a soda" reference before he turned his career around and became the welterweight champion of the UFC.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Leon Edwards claimed that while he personally would like to settle the feud with Masvidal inside the octagon, the idea of the matchup makes no sense for the UFC currently given 'Gamebred's three-fight losing skid. Masvidal's manager, of course, feels differently.
It’s not difficult. The fans would love to see you get your revenge. twitter.com/onpointmma/sta…
Chael Sonnen offered his two cents on the idea of this matchup in the aforementioned interview. He pointed out that there's no way the UFC can bring this fight together when actual contenders like Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev are waiting for their opportunity:
"Purely speaking to you about PR, they [UFC] are not going to make that fight. There's no salseman in the world that could explain to the audience why Masvidal is fighting for the world title when guys like Covington or Chimaev or Burns all be there. You just couldn't package that and explain it."
In all likelihood, Leon Edwards will complete his trilogy with Kamaru Usman before taking on any other contenders in the division. The fight is rumoured for early 2023.