UFC

Leon “Rocky”Edwards

UFC22-3-0 (1 NC)

Division
Welterweight
Stance
Southpaw
Height
6' 2"
Weight
170 lbs.
Reach
74"
Nationality
Kingston, Jamaica
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Fighter metrics

Wins by KO
6
Wins by submission
3
Wins by decision
10
Significant strikes / fight
54.5

Striking accuracy

53%

791 landed · 1,483 attempted

Takedown accuracy

35%

Fight history

  • Belal Muhammad

    UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 · Jul 27, 2024

    Defeated

    Unanimous Decision · Round 5

  • Colby Covington

    UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington · Dec 16, 2023

    Winner

    Unanimous Decision · Round 5

  • Kamaru Usman

    UFC 286: Edwards vs. Usman 3 · Mar 18, 2023

    Winner

    Majority Decision · Round 5

  • Kamaru Usman

    UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2 · Aug 20, 2022

    Winner

    KO/TKO · Round 5 · 4:04

  • Nate Diaz

    UFC 263: Adesanya vs. Vettori 2 · Jun 12, 2021

    Winner

    Decision · Round 5

  • Belal Muhammad

    UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad · Mar 13, 2021

    No Contest

    No Contest · Round 2 · 0:18

  • Rafael Dos Anjos

    UFC FN: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards · Jul 20, 2019

    Winner

    Decision · Round 5

Leon Edwards Bio

Leon Edwards is a Jamaican-born English mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC welterweight division under the nickname “Rocky.” Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on August 25, 1991, he moved to Birmingham, England, as a child. Edwards began training in MMA at 17 and turned professional in 2011. The UFC lists him as an active welterweight, standing 6 feet tall and training at UTC Ultimate Training Centre in Birmingham; reporting on his long-term development also identifies Team Renegade in Birmingham as his competitive base after UTC closed in 2018.

Edwards made his UFC debut against Cláudio Silva on November 8, 2014. He developed from a striking-focused newcomer into a well-rounded southpaw, blending measured distance work, kicks, clinch attacks and increasingly confident grappling. He captured the UFC welterweight title with a fifth-round head-kick knockout of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 on August 20, 2022, then retained it against Usman at UFC 286 and Colby Covington at UFC 296. Belal Muhammad defeated Edwards by unanimous decision at UFC 304 on July 27, 2024, ending his title reign. UFC’s current athlete profile lists Edwards as active, and its 2025 coverage described his aim of returning to welterweight title contention.

Record
22-3-0 (1 NC)
Division
Welterweight
Fighting style
MMA
Stance
Southpaw
Height
6' 2"
Weight
170 lbs.
Reach
74"
Leg reach
43.00
Gym / team
Team Renegade BJJ & MMA (2016–
Nationality
Kingston, Jamaica
Fighting out of
Erdington, Birmingham, England
Birth date
Aug 25, 1991 (age 35)
Age
35
Birthplace
, ,
Country
United Kingdom

Leon Edwards Questions & Answers

What division does Leon Edwards compete in?

Leon Edwards is an active UFC welterweight, competing at the 170-pound divisional limit.

How tall is Leon Edwards?

The UFC lists Leon Edwards at 6 feet tall, with a 74-inch reach.

When and where was Leon Edwards born?

He was born on August 25, 1991, in Kingston, Jamaica.

Which gym has Leon Edwards trained with?

The UFC lists UTC Ultimate Training Centre Birmingham as his training location. Edwards has also been closely associated with Birmingham’s Team Renegade, where he moved after UTC closed in 2018.

When did Edwards make his UFC debut?

Edwards made his Octagon debut on November 8, 2014, against Cláudio Silva.

Has Leon Edwards been a UFC champion?

Yes. Edwards won the UFC welterweight championship by knocking out Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 on August 20, 2022. He later defended the belt against Usman and Colby Covington before losing it to Belal Muhammad on July 27, 2024.

What is Leon Edwards’ fighting style?

Edwards is a southpaw MMA fighter known for composed range striking, effective kicking and a well-rounded approach. He has described his evolution from a primarily striking-based fighter into one comfortable both on the feet and in grappling exchanges.