Leon Edwards Declined Daniel Rodriguez Fight, Says Return Plans

Leon Edwards rejected a proposed fight with Daniel Rodriguez for UFC 329 on International Fight Week, keeping his focus on a different comeback route as the welterweight prepares for a new opponent.

What sparked the Rodriguez-Edwards talk?

On 29 Jun 2026, Rodriguez told Home of Fight that he had been lobbying UFC officials for a bout against Edwards during the International Fight Week card. He claimed the promotion leaned toward another matchup for the English champion, leaving his request unanswered.

How does the missed matchup affect Leon Edwards?

Edwards (22-6) is coming off a three-fight losing streak that began with a title loss to Belal Muhammad in 2024 and a stoppage defeat by Carlos Prates in Nov 2025. By declining Rodriguez, Edwards avoids a risky fight that could further damage his record, but it also delays any chance to reset his standing with a high-profile win.

What’s Daniel Rodriguez’s next move?

Rodriguez (20-5) is booked to face Uros Medic (13-3) at UFC Belgrade on 01 Aug 2026. He told the media he will “call out Rocky”-a nickname for Edwards-if he secures a victory over Medic. The fight with Medic offers Rodriguez a chance to extend his three-fight win streak after a long layoff caused by an eight-month jail stint in Tijuana.

When could Edwards and Rodriguez finally meet?

If Rodriguez defeats Medic, a future showdown could be on the table, but UFC matchmaking will still need to align both fighters’ schedules and rankings. Edwards has not fought since Nov 2025, so any bout would likely serve as a comeback test rather than a title eliminator.

Why does this matter for the welterweight division?

Both athletes sit near the top of the UFC welterweight rankings. A win for Rodriguez would push him closer to title contention, while a win for Edwards could halt his slide and re-establish him as a contender. Their potential clash therefore carries weight for the division’s hierarchy and future title picture.