UFC London: Leon Edwards Suffers Historic Submission Loss to Sean Brady, What’s Next?

In a stunning turn of events at UFC London, former Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards succumbed to his first-ever submission loss in his professional MMA career, falling to Sean Brady via a fourth-round guillotine choke. This defeat marked Edwards’ second consecutive loss, following his title loss to Belal Muhammad last July. The fight was a testament to Brady’s grappling prowess, as he dominated Edwards from the outset, eventually forcing the submission in front of a stunned London crowd.

SEAN BRADY TAPS OUT LEON EDWARDS!! pic.twitter.com/uTg4t47kyW

— AJ (@PrestigePrince9) March 22, 2025

Edwards, known for his striking abilities and past victories over top contenders like Kamaru Usman, found himself outmaneuvered by Brady’s relentless grappling. Despite his efforts to maintain distance and control the pace, Edwards was repeatedly taken down and ultimately caught in a guillotine choke that he could not escape. This loss not only complicates Edwards’ path back to the title but also raises questions about his future in the division.

As Edwards looks to rebound from this setback, here are three potential next opponents for him:

Jorge Masvidal

A fight between Leon Edwards and Jorge Masvidal has been years in the making, fueled by a long-standing feud that began with a backstage altercation in 2019. Masvidal, known for his explosive striking and charismatic personality, would provide a stylistically favorable matchup for Edwards, who also excels in stand-up combat. This bout would not only be a thrilling contest but also a chance for both fighters to revive their careers. Masvidal’s ability to draw attention and create buzz around fights makes him an attractive opponent for Edwards, who could use a high-profile victory to regain momentum in the division.

The history between these two fighters adds an extra layer of intrigue, making this matchup a potential blockbuster event. Edwards, seeking redemption after his recent losses, would face a formidable challenge in Masvidal, who has been involved in some of the most memorable fights in recent UFC history. A win over Masvidal would be a significant step forward for Edwards.

Michael “Venom” Page

Michael “Venom” Page, a recent UFC signee from Bellator, has expressed interest in facing top welterweights, including Edwards. Page’s flashy striking style and knockout power would present a unique challenge for Edwards, who has struggled with grapplers but generally excels against strikers. This matchup would allow Edwards to test his skills against a dynamic opponent who is eager to make a statement in the UFC.

A fight against Page would be an opportunity for Edwards to regain confidence in his striking abilities and demonstrate his resilience after consecutive losses. Page’s aggressive style could lead to an exciting and potentially explosive bout, with both fighters looking to finish the fight with a highlight-reel knockout. However, Edwards would need to be cautious, as Page’s unpredictability could catch him off guard.

Ian Machado Garry

Ian Machado Garry, despite his recent loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, remains a promising young talent in the welterweight division. A matchup between Garry and Edwards would offer Edwards a chance to face a rising star who is still developing his skills. Garry’s technical striking and improving grappling abilities would provide a well-rounded test for Edwards, allowing him to assess his current form against a hungry and ambitious opponent.

This fight would be a stylistically favorable matchup for Edwards, who could use his experience to outmaneuver Garry. A victory over Garry would help Edwards regain his footing in the division and potentially set him up for more significant challenges in the future. However, Edwards would need to be cautious, as Garry’s youth and aggression could make him a formidable opponent if underestimated.

Leon Edwards faces a challenging road ahead after his historic loss to Sean Brady. Whether he chooses to face Jorge Masvidal, Michael “Venom” Page, or Ian Machado Garry, each opponent presents a unique opportunity for Edwards to revive his career and work his way back into title contention. The path forward will require strategic matchmaking and a renewed focus on addressing his grappling vulnerabilities, but with the right opponent, Edwards could once again become a force in the welterweight division.