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'I'm getting goosebumps!' - Dana White can't contain his excitement after confirming the UK's biggest ever UFC event

'I'm getting goosebumps!' - Dana White can't contain his excitement after confirming the UK's biggest ever UFC event

This is going to be some event.

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan

UFC president Dana White has confirmed the hugely-anticipated trilogy fight between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman will take place in England in 2023.

Edwards beat Kamaru Usman in their rematch at UFC 278 in August to become only the second British UFC champion after Michael Bisping.

White has now confirmed Edwards will defend his welterweight title in the UK next year, with the bout likely to take place in March in London.

Speaking to BT Sport journalist Adam Catterall, White said: "We're coming back to England with the rematch.

"Leon Edwards, in his home country, in England. It's been so long. I'm getting goosebumps!

"It's been so long since we brought a big title fight back to the UK. We're going to make that card, look like this card [UFC 280]. I'm so excited because you know how much I love the fans in England, and in the UK.

"Look at my goosebumps! I’m f****** pumped! Yes we will be back in England."

White went on to reveal that he plans for Khamzat Chimaev to fight on the same card, potentially as a co-main event.

Chimaev remains unbeaten in the UFC and is viewed as one of the hottest prospects in MMA.

The Swedish fighter was scheduled to face Nate Diaz in a welterweight fight at UFC 279 but was removed from the main event after badly missing weight.

Edwards beat Usman at UFC 278 to become welterweight champion (Image: Alamy)
Edwards beat Usman at UFC 278 to become welterweight champion (Image: Alamy)

He instead faced Kevin Holland in a co-main event catchweight fight, winning by submission in round one to take his MMA record to 12-0.

When asked what weight Khamzat's next fight would be at, White added: "Khamzat wants to fight at 170 [lbs].

"I'm going to give him one more opportunity to fight at 170. He needs to deliver and make the weight. I would love to do that fight in England too.

"I'm telling you, I'm going to bring a badass card to England. English fans have been incredible. They're so fun, they bring such great energy.

"When Leon Edwards won that fight, I walked in the back and said 'we're going to England boys'. I said 'f***ing move this whole schedule, we're going to England.'

"England deserves this and Leon Edwards deserves this. I'm excited, I can't wait."

American fighter Colby Covington has been touted a possible opponent for Chimaev.

Should they meet in the octagon, the victor could potentially face the winner of Edwards' title defence against Usman.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy & BT Sport

Topics: UFC, Dana White, Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, Khamzat Chimaev

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

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