After an unfortunate ending to his most recent fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC Vegas 21, Leon Edwards is expecting a statement win later this month against Nate Diaz at UFC 263.
Edwards and Diaz were originally scheduled to compete at UFC 262, but the fight was moved to UFC 263 after the Stockton native suffered a minor injury.
Too Much For Nate Diaz
Speaking to UFC Arabia (as transcribed by MMA Junkie), Edwards said that he can’t wait to make Diaz feel his skill and strength.
“I need to go out there and I need to put him away,” Edwards said. “He’s only been stopped once, and that’s all I need. He’s been stopped. He’s not no robot. He’s not no invincible man. He has been stopped, and I truly believe I will go out there and stop him again – and I cannot wait. My skill set will be too much for him in the standup. On the ground, my strength will be too much for him. And I can’t wait to go out there and let him feel that.”
Diaz is one of the toughest fighters on the UFC roster. He’s only been finished twice in his career, by Josh Thompson and Jorge Masvidal. Albeit, the loss to ‘Gamebred’ came via a doctor’s stoppage. Edwards acknowledges his toughness, but also believes that the 36 year old isn’t tough enough to beat him.
“I envision going out there and just battering him from pillar to post and getting the stoppage,” Edwards said. “I know he’s a tough, durable guy, and I just don’t think being tough and durable is enough to beat me. I’ve worked hard, and I’ve dedicated myself for a long time, and it’s now time for my results to show. I can’t wait to go out there and prove that.”
Five Rounds Of Punishment
Edwards vs Diaz will be the UFC’s first non-title, non-main event five-round contest, and ‘Rocky’ believes that a five-round fight favours him.
“I’ve fought many main events and this is probably my fifth main event that I’m preparing for, so I’ve been here before,” Edwards said. “I’ve done it. I don’t feel it favours him. I think he just takes more punishment all five rounds, and that’s all I see: Me going out there and putting my hands on him and to put him away. I need to go out there and prove to the world that I deserve the next title shot, and that’s what I’m going out there to do.”
Do you think Leon Edwards can get the finish against Nate Diaz at UFC 263?
See also:
