For the first time in his 28-fight career, Edwards finds himself on a two-fight skid. Just two bouts removed from losing his title to Belal Muhammad, “Rocky” knows this weekend’s matchup is critical if he wants to climb back into the championship picture.
“This fight is definitely a must-win for my plans,” Edwards told Ariel Helwani today. “I wanna become a world champion. This guy is in my way, so this is definitely to get me back to my plan. This is the perfect fight for me.”
Edwards envisions a comeback route that includes defeating Prates, settling his rivalry with Ian Garry early next year, and then earning another title shot next summer. However, history suggests the road may be longer — it took nine consecutive wins for Edwards to earn his first crack at gold, and the Welterweight division remains as deep as ever.
Despite the pressure, Edwards enters UFC 322 with renewed confidence. He’s not facing a wrestler for the first time in several fights, and he’s competing in a three-round bout — something he hasn’t done in six years.
“I’m so excited, it has been a long time since my last three-round fight,” Edwards said. “I’m excited to go out there, mix it up, and get to work. It’s two different fighting styles when you’re fighting a wrestler or a striker. I get to show more skills. It’s going to be a good one.”
As of now, Edwards sits as a +164 betting underdog against the dangerous Prates — a rare position for the former champion, but one he hopes to use as fuel for redemption.
To see who else is fighting at UFC 322 this weekend in New York click here.
