Chael Sonnen names potential Kamaru Usman replacements for Leon Edwards title fight
The trilogy bout between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards is reportedly in danger of not taking place, as Usman appears to still be dealing with a wrist injury. Former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger Chael Sonnen shared a number of welterweight contenders who could step in for a title opportunity at UFC 286 if the former welterweight champion has not recovered by then.
uhhhh so are we sure that it’s going to be Leon Edwards vs Usman in London because look at his hand https://t.co/kvbQwNe01P
Speaking on his podcast, Beyond The Fight, Chael Sonnen stated:
"Kamaru spotted with a brace on his hand. Fight booked. Leon defending March 18th in England. What happens if Kamaru can't get there? What happens if he can't? I like the idea of a backup fighter, and possibly, there is some truth to this. Possibly that is why Chimaev versus Colby, which we would all like to see, never moved forward. Perhaps we need one of those guys."
Sonnen continued:
"Now Masvidal, like the smart mark he is, has seen this coming from a mile away. Found a reason to not do the Gilbert Burns fight. Didn't have anything to do with Gilbert Burns, contrary to popular belief. Had to do with keeping himself available so that he could be called out on three piece and a soda and get a title opportunity."
Sonnen listed Belal Muhammad as another potential option to step in, however, it remains unclear if Usman will even need a replacement. While his hand is currently in what appears to be a brace, UFC 286 is still over two months away.
Watch Chael Sonnen discuss Leon Edwards' potential replacements for Kamaru Usman below (starting at the 2:40 mark):
Chael Sonnen discusses Leon Edwards' approach with Kamaru Usman's status unknown
There has been speculation that Kamaru Usman could pull out of UFC 286 as he is still battling a wrist injury. Mixed martial arts analyst Chael Sonnen shared how he believes new welterweight champion Leon Edwards should approach his first title defense if Usman is unable to compete:
"Leon Edwards, at all times, has the same responsibility that every other fight has, which is to get the biggest paycheck against the easiest opponent, and he is the one who should be manipulating this right now. He should not be sitting back if he hears the rumor that Kamaru's got the thing on his hand... He should instantly be invoking the plan to find the easiest opponent."
While UFC President Dana White has shared that the promotion is targeting a trilogy bout for the main event of UFC 286, Leon Edwards will have no shortage of potential opponents if Kamaru Usman isn't ready to fight by March.
Watch Chael Sonnen discuss how Leon Edwards should approach UFC 286 below (starting at the 4:42 mark):