Sean Brady wants to fight up the rankings, targeting former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
What happened?
Sean Brady, the 33-year-old American welterweight, is eyeing a fight against former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Brady's callout comes after he scored a dominant finish of Edwards in March 2025. However, Brady risked his title contention spot by taking on undefeated Michael Morales at UFC 322, a risk that didn't pay off.
Why it matters for Leon Edwards
Edwards, a former UFC welterweight champion from the UK, has been on the radar of several top welterweights in the division. Brady's callout is a significant development in the welterweight division, as Edwards continues to be a top contender in the division.
What comes next?
Brady suggested that Carlos Prates fight Morales, leaving him with Jack Della Maddalena as his next potential opponent. "He's on a little bit of a skid right now, but he's still a former champion, so I think that fight would definitely make sense," Brady said of Della Maddalena.
Brady's callout of Edwards comes after he rebounded from a loss to Morales by scoring a lopsided decision over Joaquin Buckley at UFC 328 in May. "I personally want somebody in the top five," Brady told MMA Junkie. "I think I deserve that. I was the No. 1 contender after I beat Leon. I was waiting around because the division was jammed up. I took Morales. I lost that fight, but then I came back, took a dangerous fight against Buckley, beat Buckley. I think I deserve a guy in the top five."
Brady's next move will be crucial in determining his next opponent in the welterweight division. With UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev defending his title against Ian Machado Garry in the UFC 330 headliner on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, Brady's callout of Edwards adds to the excitement in the welterweight division.
Brady's desire to fight up the rankings is a testament to his dedication and hard work in the sport. As he continues to push for a fight against Edwards, the American welterweight will be looking to prove himself as one of the top contenders in the division.
The welterweight division is set for an exciting summer, with several top contenders vying for a spot in the title picture. Brady's callout of Edwards is just the beginning of what promises to be an action-packed summer in the welterweight division.
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