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Leon Edwards seeks ‘perfect fairytale’ rematch with Kamaru Usman after UFC on ESPN 4

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SAN ANTONIO – Leon Edwards plans to outclass Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on ESPN 4. And if that happens, Edwards said either a grudge match with Jorge Masvidal or a title shot against Kamaru Usman has to be next.

Edwards (17-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) brings a seven-fight winning streak into Saturday’s headliner with former UFC lightweight champ dos Anjos (29-11 MMA, 18-9 UFC). The British welterweight contender has been nothing but successful over the past few years, and he sees his next fight as the one that will elevate him over the hump.

Although Edwards thought his streak, and past two wins in particular against Donald Cerrone and Gunnar Nelson, should have earned him a title shot or title eliminator, he sees the upside in the matchup with dos Anjos.

“This is a fight now to prove my case I’m one of the best fighters in the world,” Edwards told MMA Junkie on Wednesday at open workouts. “Beat a former world champion, he’s ranked No. 3 (in the UFC rankings) and to go out there and put on a performance, I’m thinking I’m going to. I know after this I deserve a title shot or at least the No. 1 contender.”

In many other weight classes, Edwards’ streak would’ve already set up a title opportunity. Welterweight is among the deepest in the UFC currently, though, with the likes of Masvidal (34-13 MMA, 11-6 UFC), Colby Covington (14-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and ex-champ Tyron Woodley (19-4-1 MMA, 9-3-1 UFC) all having a claim to challenge Usman (15-1 MMA, 10-0 UFC) for the strap.

Edwards called Covington “not relevant” and said he’s not buying Masvidal as a contender. “Gamebred” has staked his claim with two vicious knockouts of Darren Till and Ben Askren this year, but Edwards isn’t impressed with the man he got into a memorable backstage altercation with following the Till fight in March.

“I don’t believe (Masvidal is a contender),” Edwards said. “He was on a two-fight losing streak. Before that he was about to get cut, so I don’t understand where this title shot talk came from. I’m on a seven-fight win streak, soon to be eight, and I feel my record speaks for itself. I deserve it next.

“That fight (with Masvidal) will happen. I believe the UFC are going to try to push that fight next for the No. 1 contender spot. That’s the cherry on top for me. I’ll smoke him and get onto Usman.”

An opportunity to challenge Usman for the belt would be particularly special for Edwards. The reigning titleholder was the last man to hand Edwards a loss, a unanimous decision at in December 2015.

Neither man has lost since that encounter, and getting the chance to avenge the loss and take the title would be something special, Edwards said.

“The story is already made for me and Usman,” Edwards said. “It’s the perfect scenario. He’s the last guy to beat me three or four years ago. I feel it’s the perfect story. Since that to win everything, beat everything, then get that rematch and beat him for the world title, that’s like a perfect fairytale story. So, why not?”

First, however, Edwards must get past dos Anjos, whom he doesn’t seem overly concerned about but has respect for.

“He’s a veteran of the game, but I feel I am way better,” Edwards said. “I am leaps above him, and I’m young. I’m 27 years old. I haven’t been through as much damage as he’s took. He’s been through some wars in his career, and I’m young and coming up. I’m not even in my prime yet. I feel good about it.”

UFC on ESPN 4 takes place Saturday at AT&T Center in San Antonio. The entire card airs on ESPN.

For more on UFC on ESPN 4, check out the UFC Schedule.

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