UFC's Leon Edwards issues statement on withdrawal from Khamzat Chimaev bout
UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards is staying in good spirits despite his most recent career setback.
Edwards was forced to withdraw from his main event bout against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Fight Night 183 after testing positive for the coronavirus and dealing with a severe case of COVID-19.
Edwards, who’s lost 12 pounds because of the virus, is looking at things on the positive side and is hopeful for a quick return against Chimaev in the near future.
“Another setback, but when you come from the mud you learn to put everything in perspective.” Edwards wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. “This virus has affected many lives and families much worse than mine. Looking forward to getting this rebooked soon, thank you all for the well wishes.”
Another setback, but when you come from the mud you learn to put everything in perspective. This virus has affected many lives and families much worse than mine. Looking forward to getting this rebooked soon, thank you all for the well wishes
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 2, 2020
The UFC plans to rebook Edwards (18-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) against Chimaev (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) in early 2021. A welterweight bout pitting former two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson vs. Geoff Neal will serve as the new main event for UFC Fight Night 183.
Edwards’ oppoennt, Chimaev, who recently entered the UFC rankings at No. 15 on the heels of his dominant 3-0 start in the promotion, wished Edwards a speedy recovery.
“Fast recovery and hope (to) see you soon,” he tweeted.
Below is the updated lineup for UFC Fight Night 183:
- Geoff Neal vs. Stephen Thompson
- Greg Hardy vs. Marcin Tybura
- Rob Font vs. Marlon Moraes
- Misha Cirkunov vs. Ryan Spann
- Jose Aldo vs. Marlon Vera
- Michel Pereira vs. Khaos Williams
- Manel Kape vs. Alexandre Pantoja
- Belal Muhammad vs. Dhiego Lima
- Antonio Arroyo vs. Deron Winn
- Sijara Eubanks vs. Pannie Kianzad
- Drako Rodriguez vs. Aiemann Zahabi
- Tafon Nchukwi vs. Jamie Pickett
- Rick Glenn vs. Carlton Minus
- Tyson Nam vs. Matt Schnell
