Leon Edwards has blamed his July loss of the UFC welterweight title to Belal Muhammad on less-than-ideal circumstances. While potentially true, one retired fighter says the Brit is still making "excuses."
Edwards and his coach, Dave Lovell, have cited the unusually late fight time (approximately 5 a.m. local time) as a major factor, with "Rocky" describing his reactions as "slow" and Lovell estimating his fighter performed at only "30 to 40 percent" of his potential.
Retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown understands Edwards' struggles, having experienced similar issues throughout his own career. However, he believes that publicly airing these grievances after a defeat is generally perceived negatively.
I understand where Leon’s coming from, especially being in his home country,” Brown said of Leon Edwards on the latest episode of MMA Fighting's The Fighter vs. The Writer. “He’s certainly accustomed to a certain rhythm, a routine of sleeping and waking. Belal coming from another country, there’s some excitement and everything’s new. The time zone is new. You’re going to be adjusting to the time zone regardless.
I guess I could see it a little bit, but we’re right on track with the same thing we always say. You can’t take away from Belal. He fought amazing in that fight. That’s part of being a fighter. You have to deal with shit like that. Things like that have thrown me off in the past, too, 100 percent during fights. I know it. I don’t necessarily say it publicly. But it is factual. It does happen but that’s being a fighter.
Brown, a veteran of 15 years in the UFC, recognizes the significant impact that external factors can have on a fighter's performance. He understands that, beyond skill and ability, numerous outside-the-cage issues have influenced his own outcomes.
Furthermore, Brown acknowledges that regardless of the candor displayed by fighters and their coaches after a loss, the public reaction from fans, fellow fighters, and the media will inevitably follow a predictable pattern.
Leon Edwards is set to return to action this weekend, once again on home soil. Unlike last July's pay-per-view event, Saturday's UFC London card will take place in UK primetime, perhaps boosting Edwards' chances of a rebound victory at the expense of Sean Brady.
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