Former champion boxer heaps praise on Leon Edwards after win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286

Leon Edwards once again battled against the odds and came out on top when he managed to defend his welterweight title on home soil. His win in the trilogy clash against Kamaru Usman on Saturday has earned the respect of a former boxing champion.

'Rocky' has long been underappreciated by fans all across the world, including his very own from England, but that is no longer the case now that he sits atop the 170lb division. Since receiving his flowers from supporters, the Brit has looked at a different level and impressed in both outings against 'The Nigerian Nightmare'.

Sharing his appreciation for Leon Edwards, former world heavyweight boxing champion Tony Bellew praised the MMA star's achievement and claimed that he is the Sports Personality of the Year.

"Your Sports Personality of the Year right here! What an achievement and what a win this is! You'll struggle to see anyone top what he's done in the last 2 outings in the UFC."

Your SPOTY right here!! What an achievement and what a win this is! You’ll struggle to see anyone top what he’s done in his last 2 outings in the UFC 👏🔥👏 twitter.com/ufceurope/stat…

Representing for both the UK and Jamaica, Leon Edwards has grown his brand astronomically in the past few years and created one of the most iconic moments the sport has ever seen.

As time ticked away with less than a minute left on the clock, it seemed all was lost for the 31-year-old against a dominant Kamaru Usman, but that wasn't the case. Showing his heart and dedication to fulfilling his dream and bringing home UFC gold, the Birmingham native landed a head-kick knockout that shook the world last year.

Many called the win a fluke and were certain that the African was going to steamroll the Brit when they met at UFC 286 on March 18, just seven months after their second fight in the octagon. This time around, Edwards secured a decision victory, proving he can hang with anyone the sport throws in front of him.

Leon Edwards next fight: Who is the rightful number one contender for the welterweight strap?

Following his victory on Saturday, Leon Edwards had an idea for who he wants to gift a title shot to next, but it seems the UFC has other plans.

The 170lb king has his eyes set on the showdown between Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns, insisting that 'Gamebred' is a fight he would love to entertain after their confrontational past.

While it would be a huge matchup in the division, Dana White has instead opted to go with Colby Covington, despite Edwards previously dismissing the chances of 'Chaos' being next in line.