"He used my Dad's death to sell the fight, I couldn't wait to hurt him" 🥋 Leon Edwards | Up Front
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- In this episode, we are joined by our first ever guest from the world of MMA, the welterweight world champion of the world Leon Edwards.
One of just 3 UFC champions ever from the UK, Leon has a unique story full of tragedy, resilience and glory. Born in Jamaica before moving to Birmingham, Leon was raised around gang culture, tragically losing his father to gun crime at a young age. MMA would be his salvation, and he now sits on top of the MMA world having not tasted defeat in 9 years.
Join us as we discuss the rise of Mixed Martial Arts, Leon’s incredible rise, his battles against Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington and the future of crossover fights.
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Warning: This episode may contain strong language and references to violence. Viewer discretion advised. Remember, 18+ for gambling responsibly.
#ufc #leonedwards #simonjordan
00:00 Intro to Leon Edwards
00:59 Podcast starts
01:33 Leon teaches Simon about MMA
11:50 Mentality vs Ability
14:10 The profile of MMA in the UK
15:56 Leon’s journey
18:15 The affect of his father’s passing
20:25 His mother encouraging him to join MMA gym
21:46 How he fell in love with MMA
25:25 The culture of his gym
27:31 Putting together his corner team & trainer relationships
32:09 Losing his first fight in the UFC
33:24 Winning the world title
42:39 Leon’s media commitments
46:07 Colby Covington
49:39 Conor McGregor
51:53 Dana White
55:51 Cross-over fighting
01:00:54 What’s left for Leon Edwards?
How Leon got overlooked for BBC sports personality of the year is baffling
He would've won if he was a woman.
Because he doesn't have a personality
@@0ctanee Its not actually based on their personality, if it was Andy Murray wouldve never got one
He has zero personality 😂
@@hmsp7799 the award isnt about literal personality
What a guy. He's been pretty awkward in most interviews etc before so I feel like his personality hasn't been able to shine enough but he seemed really relaxed here. Top bloke
This is so true!
I agree, He's still frustrating to listen to when answering questions though 🤣 Especially with simons questions when he wants to know differences between things like mma and boxing and is it considered quitting when being choked out, I'm sat here thinking Gaaaah its easy to answer! you can do it bro 🤣 Such a nice guy though so its hard to hate.
I know i say this on every leon video. But this dude is the chillest coolest most humble motherfucker, how can anyone not respect this guy.
Leon should be represented by the British media in a meaningful and respectful way.
The BBC won't go near the boy for more than five minutes a year.
5 minutes after the head kick and nothing since it’s a disgrace
The bbc prefer to promote kiddy fiddlers 🤢🤮
Absolutely brilliant interview, a conversation between two true gents. Insightful and up front. Leon is one of our greatest athletes and it is about time people recognised that.
yeah tragedy - he didn't win sports personality of the year last year sorry woke personality 🙄
Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall are superb role models for UK MMA competitors and fans alike. I can see them both being unbeaten for some time to come.
Neither are unbeaten.
@@Bickle121 No one said they were.
@@millysworld6150 you said you see being unbeaten, they can't go unbeaten as they've both lost already.
@@Bickle121 Maybe English is not your first language. Unbeaten for some time to come does not mean unbeaten in the past.
@millysworld6150 @Bickle121 is just a pure and utter idiot!!! They're probably a CZcams troll just talking pure nonsense and garbage just to be annoying. I, like everyone else, knew what you meant. On your comment though, I think out of the two of them, Tom Aspinall has the harder task, because he will have to face Jon Jones to unify the title. I personally don't like Jon Jones, but as far as fighting goes, he's probably the GOAT, even with the pictograms, hiding under the octagon from USADA and everything else that comes with Jon Jones. He's fought all the best from the old era to the this era and is still undefeated. I know he's got that 1 lose on his record against Matt Hamel but he was dominating and destroying Hamel, until the illegal elbow, which should of been a NO Contest disqualification, but it called a loss by mistake, and the NSAC commission still hasn't overturned it, but Matt Hamel didn't beat him. The long layoff that Jones is going through with the injury, and the fact that he hasn't looked anything like his best for a while either, gives me a bit of hope for Tom Aspinall. On the flipside, although Jones hasn't been near his best for a while, he's still winning and still the champion. I personally think that both Thiago Santos and Dominic Reyes beat Jon Jones, especially Reyes, he definitely won the first 3 rounds and Jones won the last 2 rounds, 3-2 to Reyes, but the judges gave it to Jones both times, but it does show that Jones can be beat. However i thought Gane would do a whole lot better than he did, but if anyone could beat Jon Jones, it's Tom Aspinall. That's if Jones doesn't retire after fighting the 40+ ageing Stipe, which a lot of people think he's going to do.
I'm not really into MMA but I always watch and look out for Edwards fights.
Far and away the best interview I've seen with Leon. I've never seen him so comfortable.
Thought exactly same
Brilliant fighter, beating Usman twice is unreal. Was nice to see him fling Covington about too.
Very enjoyable chat.
Leon is so Technically smooth
1 of the smoothest. Across any weight.
Truly believe he could end his career as one of the best ever
@@bt7033undefeated in the UFC since 2015.. still underrated even though he's the champ
leon speaks so well. long live the king.
Not all black people speak in slang, 😊
@@Basichomelife
Silly comment.
@@EireannSpeaks they only say this a bout black men. When have you ever seen " they speak so well about a white person ?
@@Basichomelife To be fair I see it quite a bit in combat sports. Let's be honest, no matter what the colour, fighters aren't known for being great talkers.
Brilliant interview, Leon is the man and the UK is so proud, wish Simon would get more into UFC, it will show him how far boxing has fallen off, UFC mostly puts on the fights people want to see and don't just have a terrible undercard filling for a big main event
This will be epic, Leon the champ 🏆
Will be?
@@R_W103He left his comment before this aired
Leon is clearly an introverted person and leads by example (actions speak louder than words). A good interview that demonstrated that Leon is just comfortable being uncontrollable. A nice guy, but don’t take kindness for weakness…😂
Couldn't be more proud of Leon. It was only a few years ago us brits were booing him when Masivdal fought Till. Super inspirational, insanely down to earth and humble as a man can be. All the best going forward Rocky 🏴
Great interview from Simon, would love to see more UFC fighters on here. Bisping and Aspinall for sure
England love a winner don't they
Speak for yourself, real MMA fans get behind all our british fighters, personally I've never booed edwards, and none of the other UFC fans I know have booed him.
Without a doubt the best interview so far. Witty, engaging and entertaining. Genuinely disappointed when the interview ended
amazing pod, Leon is the man!
Real talk from Simon as always 🙌 I’m not into MMA , but this is a great and fascinating interview
Up there with your best interviews. What a man, came across really well here
Leon Edwards seems to be a down to earth, humble and well mannered man. I for one will continue to keep an eye on him and I hope he continues to realise his dreams and earn all the glory he desires.
Best episode by far!
I think this is the most relaxed ive seen leon in an interview great stuff
Been routing for Leon this long time, absolutely delighted to where he’s got.. fully deserved through talent and a great man..
his journeys far from over.. Cmon Leon 💪🏻
Great interview👏Leon Edwards is a really sound bloke and a very humble human being. Tough as they come but genuinely a really nice guy
Of all mma guys, Leon SHOULD be the toughest talker... about being the "real gangster." Because his dad was the leader of a gang --- who went on to die from that life style --- and Leon, too, was slowly drifting into that life. Yet, as he himself said it, MMA pulled him away from that gang life and Leon now (some 15 years into MMA) is among the most humbled, and is one of the most accomplished, most skilled athletes in the world.
Thoroughly enjoyed this, cheers lads
One of the most likeable guys in combat sports. Class act & a fellow brummy!
Legend 👊🏽
Best interview so far on up front, didn’t need any controversy
So good to see Leon on this. The guy is a pure technician while being a ruthless warrior. And carries himself with class. Great to see him get the recognition and exposure of mr Jordan.
Respect to Leon it's usually such a unforgiving road becoming a UFC champ, Also Ngannou would be a great guest on the show 😎
Great fighter, brilliant athlete, very good tactician, very well rounded. He's going to be hard to shift.
fluke against usman, then he could do it the rematch (usman got robbed) and then another decision against washed pillowfists colby. shavkat, belal will take the belt off him and he will be unknown again
@@beaualoevv keep dreaming
@@ADK_MSEkeep being delusional son
@@beaualoevv Get used to making these salty excuses every time he wins, lol. And Still!
@beaualoevv Worst troll on CZcams. No one takes you serious kid.
Buzzing for this
What a warrior!! And seems a really humble down to earth man!!
What a great interview, we need to see more of these with Leon 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Cant wait to watch this, Leon is a great ambassador for our country 🏴. True gentleman and top fighter too.
Honestly can't see why some people think it's such a bad thing to have a 'normal' personality as a champion. Listening to Leon speak about his gym rules and culture explains exactly why he is the way he is and it's fantastic. As he says, you don't need to be a dick to be a great champion, I think having more normal personalities as champions will do good for MMA in order to attract a more mature audience if it one day wants to reach Boxings level of respect.
A great episode guys well done and good luck Leon, it's so good having a UK champion in a sport that has been dominated by everywhere else so far.
Leons journey is an incredible movie, release it!
This will be superb. I know Simon isn't overly enammered with MMA but I know he'll of done his research on the kid & will of enjoyed learning some of the goings on within the MMA community.
More importantly did you learn something too?
@@justbreakingballs what's that go to do with the price of cheese
Absolutely Superb! Kudos to both Party’s. Love Leon
Brilliant interview
Another great interview 👏
I love this crossover this was brilliant
Absolutely brilliant episode.
Jordan the best to really delve into the mind & this episode didn’t disappoint 👏
Brilliant interview , simon leon most naturally delivered , left me wanting more , very inspirational 👍 👏
Met leon in town , most genuine humble man , ❤ big love respect for evrything he achieved and what he will achieve , to him his family ❤
That was brilliant rocky 💯👏
This is the content I like!!!
I live in erdington and didn't know he was from there so great to learn about such a resilient young man to better his prospects and family line. Nothing but respect and admiration Leon 👊
So excited for this one love Leon
Great interview, Rocky defo a real one plus its so refreshing to see a team ran as such, all for one and one for all, musketeer type shit, equality throughout. I've always been a massive fan of Leon's and knew man was on the way to greatness early on in his career but best get a move on if we talking about taking over St Pierre record. The best W/w ever keep the faith fam.
Great episode!
By far the best interview, really got to know the real Leon Edwards, what a man, well played Simon.
Great interview. A very well rounded technical fighter and great champion.
Brilliant episode 👏
Leon's a real one ..much love 👊
Great to see Leon getting the respect he deserves
Best Leon Edwards interview by a mile.
Good conversation this. Very easy to listen to and very respectable. Kudos to the 2 of them.
The UFC nice guys are a pleasure to watch and listen to. Leon, Wonderboy, GSP
CLASS INTERVIEW
Nice to see MMA get the platform to show the minds behind it
Excellent interview Leon looked very comfortable
Good interview
Great skilled fighter & quality human being Leon ✌️
Why spend so much time telling your guest what you think of the sport! just focus on your guest and his experiences ..........don't make your interviews about you!!!!!!
Think he is more just trying to get an understanding of the sport with out it being a debate
Calm down!
He wanted Leon to convince him about the actual sport rather than the outcome of what it does to individuals lives...
Leon needs a little push and encouragement to talk. Simon helped with this
Simon = top LAD proper clobber
@@sirbaconbutties7071your an idiot you don’t know what your talking about 😂😂😂
Keep the mma content coming.
Great lad and a credit to British sports.
Love Leon ❤
Leon Edward’s = Warrior Legend!!!
Really enjoyed this interview Leon is normally a bit awkward in interviews as he doesn’t really like doing him but Simon did well in getting a good conversation out of him. Hopefully we can see Tom Aspinall on in a future episode.
Well done Leon. You are doing a great job.
i love Leon
How did he not even get a mention for sports personality of the year
When I was young I trained at UTC, this was when Vaughan Lee was in the UFC! One of the most humble guys you will ever meet..
Nice guy. Enjoyed this one.
Love Leon Edwards!
This man is the pride of Britain
Really enjoyed this one. Simon will convert into an MMA fan sooner rather than later
God bless Leon and his family
what a top fighter and top fella
Rocky !! What a guy
What an absolute inspiration. Fucking Love Leon
A real Icon. A great man that goes beyond race because he's not racist and he represents all people in the struggle reaching for something greater for themselves, their loved-ones, and their community. Pure class. And delivered one of the greatest moment in the octagon and post-fight moments in combat sport history that might be matched but can't be topped. What a great man and came up the real hard way.
Great interview Leon is an inspiration to any troubled young lads...as for Simon dear god where do I start ha but wish he would understand mma he still thinks it the 90s and classed as cage fighting...aw it's brutal u can hit a downed opponent but yeahbthen the ref pulls u off fight over look at boxing man 12 rounds continues head punches and if you get knocked down u get a count and then get to continue while still concussed so you get more repetitive punches to the head and get kio'd as your still niot all there
Great podcast
Love mma more then boxing so chuffed for what Leon has achieved
Great interviewee. Very likeable bloke..nice story
Leon gained a fan in me nice fella.
Not an MMA fan but great interview. I'm amazed though that his team had no idea about high altitude training? Hardly something new.
Leon is a real birmingham boy, tells it how it is. Legend in the game
A good number of my friends in Yorkshire died from ODs, suicide, and murder. I mean, a good number, close friends. I imagine the same happened to folks all over the UK living in small industrial towns. If young men want to kick the crap out of each other in a gym and keep fit at the same time, I say, go and do boys. It's good for you. Also, in my town and other towns, so-called 'hard men' and bullies spoil everyone's night out. They spoil school for the bullied. I've never met a martial artist who is a bully. Let the violent people get the violence out of their system in a place where it is allowed and safer than the street. Leon speaks the truth. He knows. He has lived on those streets, and look at him now! A nice bloke, who I imagine would never strike a person in the street, or resort to drug taking for happiness.
Superb Journalism 👌🏼
Boom! The big man Simon Jordan and Leon Edwards, what a combo!!
Leon is the man
Love this interview, you can tell Leon likes Simons humour...I wonder if he's heard the phone call from Laurence bassini on talkSPORT about taking over Birmingham city🤣🤣
The fact that Simon thinks mma is dangerous than boxing is laughable, Leon dude you smashed that interview
Sorry if Simon hurt your feelings 😔
Simon = top LAD proper clobber! The DON of interviews
Leon is a G
✊🏻✊🏾💙❤️🏆
Leon came across really well there
Leon had to fight hard and never cuaght a break..delightful to see leons coach screaming and then leon with that headshot was so inspirational for young kids to watch..MMA IS ALL BOUT RESPECT AND SLOBY COVINGTON HAS ZERO
HE BEAT A WASHED UP JORGE..HES A CLOWN.