Teddy Atlas breaks down why he said Leon Edwards became 30% better after winning title

Leon Edwards has gotten better exponentially since winning the title, according to legendary boxing coach Teddy Atlas.

Last weekend, UFC 286 at the O2 Arena in London saw hometown hero Leon Edwards defend his welterweight title successfully against Kamaru Usman. Edwards looked like the better fighter throughout the fight and secured a majority decision win. In a recent interview on THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas, the legendary boxing coach reacted to the fight:

"The old timers and Cus D'Amato used to always tell me, Teddy, winning the title will improve you thirty percent.....but with certain guys it usually does, it will improve you thirty percent because seventy-five percent of this game is mental...winning the title gives legitimacy in the mind of the guy who wins, in this case, Edwards. It just gives legitimacy in his mind of things he was not sure of before."

The legendary boxing coach is an avid fight fan and watches the UFC regularly. He often uploads videos of his breakdowns of fights or predictions for major fights. In this instance, Teddy Atlas was spot on in predicting the improvement in Edwards, who seemed like a much more confident and complete fighter compared to Kamaru Usman on that day.

Usman- Edwards, the old time trainers used to tell me that winning a Title immediately improves u 30%. Let’s see. #UFC286

Watch the interview below (Quotes from 57:36):

Colby Covington issues advice to Leon Edwards

Colby Covington seems to be next in line to challenge for the title following 'Rocky's' historic win at the O2 Arena. However, Leon Edwards is not a big fan of Covington getting a title shot so easily after being inactive for over a year. In response to Edwards' comments on Covington's inactivity, 'Chaos' gave the Brit some advice during an interview with Mike Heck:

"First off, to Leon, this is the only piece of advice that I'm ever gonna give you, only, only. Because next, you're gonna get your ass whooped. There's a saying that goes on Leon, and shut your fumbling mouth, open your fricking stupid ears and listen to the advice I'm gonna give to you Leon. You don't cross your boss, and you will learn that the hard way."

When asked about a potential title fight against Covington, Leon Edwards replied saying he had a say in choosing who he fights next and that is what Covington was talking about. During the same interview, 'Chaos' also stated that if 'Rocky' does not accept the fight he will be stripped off his welterweight title.

Watch a clip from the interview below:

Colby Covington has some advice for Leon Edwards: "You don't cross your boss" 😬

▶️ youtu.be/DZ3RX48LeHQ (via @MikeHeck_JR) https://t.co/24xuCYVJ8G