Leon Edwards comeback opponent potentially revealed by streaking contender's one-word social media post
Yesterday at 09:11 AM
After dropping his title to Belal Muhammad, former welterweight champion Leon Edwards announced that his comeback is set for the main event of UFC Fight Night: London in March 2025.
'Rocky' has been called out left-and-right since, which shouldn't come as a surprise given both his name value and the attention that comes with a UFC London main event spot – but there's a new contender throwing his name into the hat.
Leon Edwards' UFC comeback opponent potentially revealed
During the DAZN Boxing broadcast of Sunny Edwards vs Galal Yafai in late-November, Leon Edwards confirmed that he'll be one-half of the headlining attraction for UFC London on March 22, 2025.
Following that revelation, it didn't take long for a host of top UFC welterweights to raise their hand in the hopes of landing the fight in enemy territory– including long-term rival Jorge Masvidal, and popular contender Sean Brady.
However, there's a new name in that mix; one that already has fans foaming at the mouth… Surging Brazilian prospect, Carlos 'The Nightmare' Prates.
Prates has thrown his name into the mix after the Instagram page 'IfOnlyMMA', which specialises in fantasy matchups, shared a post showing Prates landing a jab on the British superstar.
'The Nightmare' then re-shared the story to his own Instagram page with just a one-word reaction to the potential striker vs striker showdown… "Soon."
Edwards himself hasn't yet responded to the callout, although Prates would certainly be a scalp that could help him reach his 2025 goal: to re-capture his UFC welterweight strap.
- UFC LONDON: Edwards comeback card takes shape with UFC legend, McCann and Aspinall's sparring partner set to feature
Carlos Prates has been one of 2024's breakout stars in the UFC
Four fights, four knockouts, and four 'Performance of the Night bonuses' – it's safe to say that Carlos Prates couldn't have dreamed of a better 2024, which ends with him sitting as the #13 ranked welterweight contender.
Following his most recent knockout of Neil Magny, Prates would name two other potential opponents as to whom he could face next – one dream matchup, and another more realistic alternative.
"To be honest, I think the perfect fight would be in Australia – as you guys know, I have a daughter over there and I really would love to visit her and fight there in Australia, against Jack Della Maddalena.
"All respect to the guy, I don't know if it's too far away [in the rankings] but against Jack Della Maddalena would be amazing."
The next UFC event scheduled Down Under is UFC 312 in February 2025, with Prates also noting that he'd love to throwdown with veteran Geoff Neal – should the JDM fight fail to materialize.
As we bid farewell to 2024; Neal retains the #10 spot in the rankings, whilst JDM sits at #4, with Leon Edwards ending the year as the #1 ranked contender.
Out of all these possible opponents, who would you like to see 'The Nightmare' and 'Rocky' face next, if not each other?
