LEON EDWARDS was said to have been "offered" step money to Conor McGregor in order to allow him to fight Kamaru Usman, the welterweight champion.
Birmingham's pride and joy is the current challenger to the Usman for the 170lb belt.
Brit Leon Edwards will next be able to challenge Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title
McGregor, a former champion in two divisions, recently pushed his name into the title pictures with a shocking call-out by the Nigerian Nightmare. This claim was made by Chael Sonnen, a former UFC star. Edwards accepted the offer.
He stated that he was being told by Leon that he has been offered his show, his win [money], and whatever was negotiated to allow Leon to fight Kamaru are being offered to him.
"We will send you a check to let you know that we are taking your place. We are allowed to push you aside.
"So, we will send you what we agreed on and then you get to stay at home," with the belief that Conor is going to step in.
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"I don’t believe this rumour, by the way. I’m just sharing it with you whenever you don’t have anything locked up.
"Leon [vs Kamaru] has not been finished. There are many moving parts. I honestly don't know if Kamaru Usman will fight in two years.
Mixed martial arts are not known for offering step-aside deals, particularly in the UFC.
Edwards, a slick southpaw, is unlikely to accept a UFC title fight. He's already fought tooth-and-nine to win his shot at UFC gold.
Get a PS10 Bonus with 100 Games to Play and No Deposit RequiredMcGregor and Edwards are also represented by the same management firm.
The current Pound-for–Pound king Usman is recovering from hand surgery. He is looking at a July return visit to the Octagon.
Africa's first champion in UFC hopes Edwards, whom he defeated December 2015, will be his next assignment.
SunSport was informed by him that he wanted this.
"But, of course, I must take the necessary steps to ensure that I am properly prepared [for the fight].
"And my hand, these are the money-makers. Before I can jump back in, I need to make sure it is completely healed."
McGregor, 33-year-old MMA star, has not fought since breaking his left leg in the trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier last June.
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UFC President Dana White anticipates that the Irishman will be back in action in autumn.
SunSport reported that he said: "If his leg heals well and he has the clearance to start training, then maybe early fall."
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