Leon Edwards has steadily carved a 6-2 record in the UFC’s welterweight division since his promotional debut in 2014.

The Jamaican-born Englishman made his inaugural UFC appearance against Claudio Silva in November of that year, losing by split-decision. Motivated by his first real loss (his first official loss came via disqualification), Edwards rebounded by knocking out Seth Baczynski a few months later in Poland at UFC Fight Night 64.

Since his knockout victory over Baczynski, Edwards has amassed a 5-1 record in the UFC, with his sole defeat coming by decision to No. 9-ranked Kamaru Usman back in 2015.

Edwards currently finds himself riding high on a four-fight winning streak — which is precisely why he was so confused when the UFC offered him a fight against the seemingly unknown Peter Sobotta at UFC Fight Night 127 on March 17 in London. 

“I'm on a four-fight winning streak right now,” Edwards reminded FloCombat. “So I think I should've gotten someone in the top 15. I've been calling these guys out for a while now, but it is what it is, Peter stepped up to the plate. He's a tough opponent, and I'm looking forward to it. 

“Peter is a tough veteran of this sport,” Edwards continued. “But I've fought higher-ranked opponents and I'm on a four-fight winning streak, soon to be five. I would've loved a higher-ranked opponent, but make no mistakes, I'll go out there and put Sobotta away.”

Only the best fighters in the world get signed to the UFC, making each and every fight a distinct challenge. There are no “layups” inside the Octagon, and as fans have seen throughout the years, anything can happen at any time once the cage door locks. And while Sobotta may be able to compete at the highest level of MMA, Edwards doesn’t see a single area his foe will have an advantage come fight night.

“I think stylistically he's going to come out and try to grapple,” Edwards said. “I think I'm better than him. I'm better in the clinch, I'm better at striking, [and] I'm better all around, stylistically. I don't know what he brings to the table.”

Sobotta may not be ranked, and Edwards may not speak too highly of his skills, but the 26-year-old competitor remains highly motivated for their March 17 showdown. One loss and all the Englishman’s hard work comes crashing down. 

“Like I said, I'm on a four-fight winning streak, so I can't afford to lose this one,” Edwards said. “I'm chasing a five-fight winning streak, and then I'm going to call out everyone in the top 10. Whoever's in the top 10, I'm calling [them] out. So if I don't win this fight, there is no top 10 for me, and that's what's motivating for me.

“I love to win, I love winning. That's what's motivating me."

Edwards is set to fight in England for the seventh time since he’s joined the UFC. Although the UFC tends to base its bigger shows in the United States, Edwards sees fighting in Europe as a positive.

“I enjoy fighting over here,” Edwards said. “I've never lost in Europe. I've fought in London before, this is like my fifth time fighting in London. I love fighting there, the fans are great. I don't mind [not fighting in the U.S.], but after this fight I'm looking to go stateside.”

As for the task at hand, Edwards says the judges can kick back and relax when he takes the stage. They won’t be necessary.

“I see me putting him away... I'll finish him in this fight,” Edwards said. “I need a finish, so I'm going out there and hunting for the finish.”

By Lucas Grandsire