Leon Edwards calls out Gilbert Burns for No. 1 contender fight now that title bout delayed

Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

With the 170-pound title fight between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns delayed until sometime in 2021, Leon Edwards is trying to shoot his shot.

The top-five ranked welterweight, who has won his past eight fights in a row, heard the news about the delayed title bout and immediately called for a showdown with Burns to determine the true No. 1 contender.

Edwards has been out of action since July 2019 when he earned a decision victory over Rafael Dos Anjos. He was originally scheduled to face former champion Tyron Woodley in March but the fight was scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now with Usman seemingly delayed in his return to action, Edwards wants a fight with Burns in December.

“December 12th title fight has been postponed. UFC 256 needs a main event!” Edwards wrote on Twitter. “Gilbert Burns, you little tree stump, you have nowhere to run now!

“Let’s see who the REAL number one contender is!”

Edwards has previously called for a fight against Burns but was ultimately shot down when the Brazilian was granted the title shot against Usman.

Burns is currently on an incredible run through the welterweight division including a dominant victory over Woodley as well as a TKO against former title contender Demian Maia.

It remains to be seen if the UFC will consider Edwards’ request after UFC president Dana White has been adamant in the past about Burns receiving the next title shot. It might come down to the timeline for Usman’s return to action after he last defended his belt in July with a decision win over Jorge Masvidal.