This is one we'll be keeping an eye on over the coming weeks and months.
Leon Edwards and Jorge Masvidal look destined to be on a collision course in the UFC Welterweight division after the two men got involved in an explosive backstage confrontation that reportedly has left the Birmingham brawler Edwards with a cut.
Veteran American Masvidal was in the middle of conducting a live broadcast interview with ESPN, having seen off Liverpudlian Darren Till at the O2 Arena with a devastating second-round knockout when it became clear on camera that something had captured the 34-year-old's attention.
OMG pic.twitter.com/yVDoMG0czq
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 16, 2019
It quickly became evident that that something was Leon Edwards.
Whilst not audible on camera, the English fighter is said to have told 'Gamebred' to shut up having captured the now 33 and 13 Floridian's attention, with Masvidal walking away from the interview before launching an attack on his fellow Welterweight scrapper.
The two men are currently ranked at numbers 10 (Edwards) and 11 (Masvidal) in the UFC Welterweight rankings after both enjoyed successful nights in the English capital.
Prior to Masvidal's conquering of Till, 27-year-old Edwards made it seven wins in a row, overcoming Icelandic icon Gunnar Nelson on a split decision, having gone the distance.
Despite both men leaving the O2 with no further comment to the media, Masvidal has since conducted a further interview with ESPN, labelling Edwards both a "hooligan" and "a scrub".
Jorge @GamebredFighter Masvidal explains his altercation with ”hooligan” Leon Edwards (via @bokamotoespn) pic.twitter.com/bdQ9iU6uDn
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 17, 2019
As I'm walking up to him, I got my hands behind my back to signal I'm not coming here for problems.
But he put his hands up, and he walks toward me. Well, where I'm from if you do that, you're gonna punch me in the face.
And that's not gonna happen Leon.
Ooooooh-weeeeeee! Bullets fired.
