Jon Anik explains why "it's a tremendous time to be Leon Edwards" ahead of UFC 304, downplays "super fight" talk
UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik had sobering advice for Leon Edwards ahead of his third title defense against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in Manchester, England.
Anik laid out the strategy for the welterweight champion, which could propel the British star to an enduring legacy similar to his predecessor, Kamaru Usman, whom he defeated via knockout in one of the most bizarre finishes in UFC history at UFC 278 in August 2022.
Speaking with Mike Heck of MMAFightingonSBN, the 46-year-old expressed his desire to see more long-reigning champions remain in their divisions, defend their thrones against up-and-coming challengers, and leave a lasting legacy instead of vying for the next "super fight." Here's what Anik said:
"I’m so happy to get this question and answer a question about Leon Edwards’ legacy, and not necessarily about a superfight, because all of these guys, monetarily, if that’s a big deal and the difference, deserve that superfight, but Kamaru Usman is a legend with crazy ice on his left wrist and a great checking account balance, I’m sure, because he didn’t move up, because he sustained and continued to defend in the welterweight division and chase records."
He added:
"So oftentimes, I think dynasties and long-reigning champions are really how legacies are made. And I think Leon Edwards, potentially, is on the cusp of that."
Anik further pointed out the brass of exceptional talent waiting in line to lock horns with the 170-pound king. He also mentioned that defeating these up-and-coming hungry fighters would only enrich Edwards' MMA record and propel his stardom to new heights. Ultimately, the UFC panelist believes this is a great time to be Leon Edwards:
"The type of scalps that he could leave in his wake — like the ever deserving Belal Muhammad, and potentially the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, [who] is all the rage with men and women alike."
He added:
“Or Ian Machado Garry, who is brash, but probably as good as every word that comes out of his mouth, [or] Jack Della Madalena with an entire country that absolutely eats this sport three meals a day behind it. It’s a tremendous time to be Leon Edwards."
Check out Jon Anik's comments on Edwards' legacy in the 170-pound division (12:32):
Jon Anik believes first fight between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad does not provide much insight into their second fight
Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad first met inside the Octagon in March 2021, more than three years ago. As is always the case with rematches, one of the big questions heading into UFC 304 is how much we can learn from the first meeting between these two men.
According to Jon Anik, the first fight between the two headliners does not provide much insight into how the second encounter will play out. Talking with InsideFighting, the play-by-play announcer touched on the gnarly eye-poke that caused the first fight to be called off. The 46-year-old also believes that both fighters have improved since their first meeting. He said:
"Belal was not wrong in thinking that when that opportunity against Leon went away with an eye poke, that it was going to be hard to come by again. But, they’re just different athletes at this point in time. So I know they’ve both leveled up, Leon levelling up maybe has been easier for someone like me with a more amateur eye to see but I give him a lot of credit for certainly those two wins over Usman.”
Check out Jon Anik's remarks on the two welterweights' first fight (8:30):