'This kid is an absolute stud' - Dana White praises Leon Edwards after fighter accepts three opponents for UFC 300

Dana White has revealed that British fighter Leon Edwards accepted three different potential opponents for UFC 300.

Facing the media after the conclusion of UFC 298 in California, UFC CEO White announced that the headline bout will be Alex Pereira against Jamahal Hill, and went behind the curtain on setting up the card.

He said: "We were out there talking to lots of people, trying to make lots of fights. In this business it’s about taking opportunities."

"Let me say this. Leon Edwards has had like three opponents through this whole thing," White added.

"Leon Edwards doesn’t say no to anybody. This kid is an absolute stud. He’s had like three opponents thrown at him during UFC 300. Yes, yes, and yes. Was willing to take on anybody. Kid’s an absolute stud. Leon, thank you. Much respect.”

Unfortunately for Edwards, none of the three suggested opponents was sealed and so he will not be fighting at the landmark event in Las Vegas in April.

Speculation had been rife that Edwards would face Khamzat Chimaev in a world title bout, but the Russian refused to fight during Ramadan, which corresponds with UFC 300.

Speaking to MMA Uncensored earlier this week, Chimaev explained: "I will fight everybody brother, Leon, du Plessis, anyone, but not in Ramadan. I think Ramadan [is during] UFC 300."

White acknowledged the complexity of setting up cards in general, and Edwards' situation in particular.

He said: "This was not about money. This was all about timing. We’ve got three killer cards in a row. In this business you’ve got injuries and all this other bulls**t that goes on behind the scenes. We’ve been talking about 300 forever, and we were just trying to make the best fights that we could make.”

The UFC chief returned to the subject of Edwards, underlining how impressed he was with the fighter's conduct throughout the process.

He said: "Listen, the guy is willing to fight three different opponents and obviously if it was for UFC 300, it’s three nasty opponents.

"This guy doesn’t care. He’ll fight anybody. It’s just crazy, and this guy couldn't care less. He’s up for the challenge, he’s ready to fight anybody. I love it, respect it very much.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.