Ariel Helwani x Leon Edwards 🔥 Exclusive Interview On Being Champ, Fame, Usman, Masvidal & More

New UFC welterweight champ Leon 'Rocky' Edwards caught up with Ariel Helwani in Cardiff ahead of WWE's Clash at the Castle. Leon spoke about his journey to the top, new found fame, potential Usman trilogy, Masvidal rivalry, making his family proud and a whole lot more. #LeonEdwards #ArielHelwani #UFC278
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[@Grace-bw4wj]

The stuff this guy had to go through to get to the title, no matter what happens next this guy will always be a hero for his resilience and heart

[@Mcfc2Rich]

100% everyone made it hard for him. What's that undefeated in 11? 10 fight win streak....pushing 8 years since the last time he lost... Love it

[@Grace-bw4wj]

@@Mcfc2Rich feel good story

[@JOSETV1]

Part of what makes his story more special, the fact that it was us man on the receiving end of the KO completes it.

[@Fridaynightparty]

Most of yall were laughing and booing too

[@trueking1857]

This is my fight of the year not for entertainment but I’ve followed this sport for a while knowing what it meant to Leon not losing a fight all that time finally after all those years getting a title shot looking amazing in the 1st round to see the fight slipping from him just to land that beautiful kick in the final minute and get his redemption over the man who once beat him.

[@likejimi5845]

Ariel and Leon's relationship is so dope. Cool that Leon made it a priority to go on his show the Monday after the fight like he said he would, because Ariel supported leon when it seemed like no one in media was. Two good lads

[@hxjjcjcj6187]

Ariel is a real one for the support he gave Leon when very little would

[@ninjaninja9954]

Exactly i remember ariel saying leon edwards what about leon edwards who is like on an 8 fight win streak? And people like Colby saying leon scott? He is irrelevant

[@flyfly7449]

Ariel works for Leon’s management, of course he always been behind Leon

[@williamsantiago166]

@@flyfly7449 👍 right

[@kneecage3236]

@@flyfly7449 whoaaaa! I didn't know that! Which company?

[@padmathinles4193]

I can clearly see the happiness in Leon's eyes. So happy for him.

[@user-fx5cd4px3k]

he pulled it out the fiyah

[@ismaieladen4814]

“Good things come to those who are patient” Leon Edwards is the living proof of that, so happy for the new champ 🙌👏

[@themondoshow]

P

[@Shrnirpledorp]

I hope Curtis gets his opportunity

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

I've been waiting long enough maybe it's time to go make some bad things come to those who are impatient?

[@noicemate9111]

@@boygonewhoopdataZZ dawg what 😂😂😂

[@vasheldiablo507]

Patient and willing to commit.

[@nyfolkhero]

I remember people used to laugh at me for being a Leon fan a few years ago, and now he’s on top of the world 👑

[@nicksmith9842]

Everyone is still laughing 😂🤣

[@rakbhogal3293]

'Look at me now'! 😊

[@summersum5881]

We getting papers!!love it the good will prevail.

[@Thawhid]

@@nicksmith9842 not at all, people are bandwagoning now because he stole multiple records from Usman

[@MR4_11]

Good man

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

I smiled so many times during this interview. This man really had such a hard road just to get a title shot. So many others got their opportunities sometimes even twice. So happy for Leon

[@boris_js]

Great road by staying inactive lmao He has only 1 decision win against a washed fighter in 3 years! He cheater against belal and got a lucky NC and escaped and didn't even accept the rematch like a coward and cheater Won against usman by lucky 1 kick, getting pummeled the entire fight like an amateur The worst fluke champion ufc has got

[@jman360co]

@@boris_js somebody salty. Should take joy in others success

[@boris_js]

@@jman360co leon didnt respect usman at all and his fangirls are still abusing and mocking him just for that 1 kick after what all he has done for the sports Instead of telling me go and tell all the racst islamophobic scumbags suddenly newborn leon fans

[@edwync848]

@@boris_js HEADSHOT. DEAD. THAT'S IT !

[@ESENTE]

@@boris_js "fluke", good one buddy

[@TheMagmaCartel]

Ariel is really a G for advocating for Leon all these years. It feels like so many people succeeded after Leon's win.

[@Lionel_473]

That head kick was the greatest moment in UFC history. It was so shocking and unexpected and felt like a Rocky movie. So happy for Leon Edwards 👏 🙌🙏

[@13JazzyG]

Let’s hope he has a good run defending the belts and proves the doubters wrong 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@kd3283]

Snooze man is going to take the belt back

[@tigrisrgn4062]

why are there 2 flags? i recognize the right one being england, whats the first one?

[@henrystevenson4837]

So do I. But he’s got Usman, khamzat, Colby, Shavkat etc. poor guy in for a rough few defences 😭

[@henrystevenson4837]

@@tigrisrgn4062 United Kingdom is the other one

[@JamesKP17847]

@@tigrisrgn4062 the one on the right is the United Kingdom(England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland combined)and the one on the left is England

[@Deezhan]

"Look at me now" Greatest post-fight speech in UFC history.

[@ahmedalaidy6320]

Headshot,DEAD!!! Was even colder!!

[@10mmseb]

Recency bias is crazy with this comment

[@HonkletonDonkleton]

@@10mmseb it was the heartfelt roar of emotion that made it the greatest. I've not seen a better one

[@timw4432]

100%

[@adi5962]

@@10mmseb I would say every conor interview was more iconic than this

[@mightyzeus1e]

Leon has earned every bit of shine he's getting. Mad respect for the new champ!

[@boris_js]

He earned nothing He is a 1 kick fluke win champion with no legacy. The most inactive fighter in ufc He has only 1 decision win against a washed fighter in 3 years! He cheated against belal and got a lucky NC and escaped and didn't even accept the rematch like a coward and cheater Won against usman by lucky 1 kick, getting pummeled the entire fight like an amateur The worst fluke champion ufc has got.

[@KC-Zico]

Well said 👍🏽👌

[@DarlingxSteph]

Leon, Aspinall, Paddy, and Molly all at Wembley Stadium, would be the greatest card ever seen in the UK.

[@kathleenfinnerty226]

100%

[@DarlingxSteph]

@LeonWillBeatUsman let’s not forget Till!

[@TheLooseJoints]

Got to admit, I wasn't a huge fan of Edwards. I felt like he was a great fighter but didn't bring any heat to the division. But he definitely made me change my tune, he's reserved and didn't need to change who he was to become champion. He proved he was a champion the legitimate way, beating everyone in front of him instead of having to start drama with everyone to jump the line. Props to Leon Edwards, LOOK AT HIM NOW!

[@sjoerd7512]

Exactly my feelings and thoughts bro. Wasn’t a huge fan but definitely watched all his fights, I’ll never stop rooting for the guy now

[@BroccoliLesnar]

Colby was going to be cut from the UFC because he was just being himself. He had no choice but to start drama with people. The UFC doesn't care about merit. It's turned to many fighters into WWE stars just to make more money from them.

[@JavierNYC423]

Ariel : So Leon , how does it feel to win the belt ? Leon Edwards: I believe I deserve a title shot next

[@mohammedusman4616]

Big respect to leon once again , lovely to see him shining , i hope he can retain his belt for the trilogy , beautiful story !

[@Pedro-666]

World Class Leon! 🇯🇲🇬🇧 So humble, such a genuine guy 💪🏽

[@savagegtalks5912]

remember, like he said himself, he fled Jamaica, no future there. Everything he got, he owes to England. Giving credit to a place he fled from... not very logical...? Usain Bolt didn't flee... Leon is Birmingham not Kingston.

[@handy1014]

Jamaicans and British folk literally have the worst champions UFC have to offer🤣. Dude is not humble. Look at how Edwards talks.

[@jakeadkin3317]

@@handy1014 he rendered the P4P #1 half-dead. Show some respect

[@handy1014]

That's a 💩 show of casuals. Dude will lose the belt soon enough. Usman won't let Edwards get off another lucky shot.

[@savagegtalks5912]

@@handy1014 hugging isn't dominating lmao G 4 Y!

[@Ayzingg]

I swear Leon is the best dude. Always been a fan, such an inspiring story. Probably rewatched his post fight speech about 10 times now! Well done Leon mate 🫡

[@Cbrown-yy1jc]

Well said Leon, Usman isn't Humble, Leon Humbled Usman now he saying all these weird things ......, before he was trying to put leon Down for Driving a Mercedes 🤣🤣 Usman has been Humbled bad, WELL DONE LEON EDWARDS AKA ROCKY

[@songbird9444]

Usman didnt put him down for driving a Mercedes..he was calling him a hypocrite for liking nice things, the way he likes nice things.

[@clintondiala8949]

@@songbird9444 MMA fans are delusional

[@thebearkhabibwrestled3442]

Bla bla bla

[@isuckeggs4094]

@@clintondiala8949 they may be delusional but they’re also just not smart. The average boxing and mma fan is pretty dull lmao, point proven by OP who couldn’t understand the point usman was trying to make

[@xavierholland7519]

in my opinion if usman wasn’t humble he wouldn’t go on camera and say he likes colby and look him in the eye and shake his hand after all the bs he said to usman

[@bamboobodyuk]

No one more deserving. True grit and dedication dealing with hurdle after hurdle.

[@UZUISDEAD]

never knew just how much of a fan i am of this man til he won… the way he had me shook for a good 5 mins after seeing that ko… may allah bring this man a fruitful run on his title defenses!! love this guy!

[@damekennedy9615]

Never knew cause u hopped on the bandwagon

[@sayville_silver]

@@damekennedy9615 Fair weather.

[@track-lash3337]

Jorge gettin a title shot after 3 straight emphatic losses & just based on sneak attack Leon backstage 3 years ago would be as low a road as anyone could go

[@sinnwalker]

Would be even more wild if he actually wins.

[@cocksniffer3116]

I don't think Leon fights Jorge as champ, if that fight happens it'll be because Leon lost the belt.

[@vhyles]

The best sucker-puncher in the UFC Jorge deserves nothing short of a retirement fight with someone in the top 5-10. He's had his red panty nights, he's had his moment of fame. He should just hang them up with some dignity left after all his antics and terrible losses.

[@chadedward5009]

Leon the Legend 🏆

[@TayAbroad]

Facts

[@MickeyRedNose]

Big up Leon, sounds like a very humble lad and I wish him all the success 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇯🇲

[@salwanisteakhouse]

P4P head shot dead!!! Love Leon and Ariel’s chemistry! The brotherhood is strong between these 2

[@johndoerock]

I like Leon, i hope he stays champion for a while!

[@beaualIoevv]

he will if they don’t give him khamzat,colby. he’s gonna fight once a year for sure

[@shreddedguy679]

@@beaualIoevv leon is beating colby, and khamzat? hes not ready for leon...especially after the beating burns put on him

[@TayAbroad]

@@shreddedguy679 facts bro I can see it . Leon will win both those fights he has too much experience for them 💪🏼

[@mugen9499]

I can’t describe the joy I have watching this and I’m from sacramento. MMA is the best sport ever.

[@brambigdeli5021]

Well spoken genuine real man, Leon is !! 👍🏼🙏🏼💪🏼

[@flyinspagettimonstah]

BT & Ariel = 🔥

[@Yeahitsme101]

That's true his work 💥

[@rossicourvosi218]

One thing I will always respect Ariel for is repping Leon these last few years when he was in the wilderness Ariel kept his name floating about.

[@VidVayder]

Admittedly, I was one of the people who believed that Leon had no chance. It was so inspiring to see what he did in that first round, and then heartbreaking to watch him get bullied in the next 4 rounds. One of the best moments I've witnessed watching UFC for 10 years.

[@VidVayder]

@@gi7685 I know... maybe I was guarding my heart from disappointment. So glad I was wrong!

[@boris_js]

He is a 1 kick fluke win champion with no legacy. The most inactive fighter in ufc He has only 1 decision win against a washed fighter in 3 years! He cheater against belal and got a lucky NC and escaped and didn't even accept the rematch like a coward and cheater Won against usman by lucky 1 kick, getting pummeled the entire fight like an amateur The worst fluke champion ufc has got.

[@michaelbroughton4423]

@@boris_js what? This is so wrong and off base in so many ways. His inactivity was not him just not fighting, that head kick ain’t luck, and he was beating Bilal before that eye poke. U clearly mad man😅😅

[@boris_js]

@LeonWillBeatUsman lol even these D riding fangirls know the truth and have no valid points to make 😁

[@maryamkim1281]

@@boris_js clueless casual.

[@n00n1n]

I'm so happy for him. Incredible KO Championship win. Absolutely amazing.

[@airjordanrodrigues]

This needed to happen. Huge example for the MMA world

[@AlwonDomz]

He got the gold and didn’t haven’t to sell his soul. Leon is MMA’s Rocky.

[@charlesm835]

great interview, leon is such a humble dude. mad props

[@suwong5350]

Huge Leon Edwards FAN even before he won the strap! Only one around me that said he would do it. It was especially awesome how he came from behind to finish Usman in such a spectacular fashion. Looking forward to him defending the belt in Wembley Stadium and beating Usman again. LETS GO TEAM EDWARDS!

[@dynamicprince2054]

I can't imagine mma without Helwani

[@bruka1601]

Shoutout to Ariel man, he was always on Leons side

[@blackhatter1980]

got to meet him last week as his gym is over the road from my mothers 😁😁😁😁 down to earth humble guy

[@kathleenfinnerty226]

Absolutely delighted for Leon big fan from day so down to earth & humble, perfect champion 🏆

[@clmdeprav]

My man Leon

[@ashbashdesmash8447]

I mean its quite crazy that a guy who is on a 10 win streak in the UFC got overlooked for everything for so long, this guy is pure class and a fantastic fighter

[@moe3005]

No matter what happens this guy could say he was a UFC world champion

[@joshbralee7752]

With one of the greatest headkick knockouts on the p4p number one at the time hahaha

[@torquehead4704]

It is nice to watch someone with humility rewarded.

[@Aslan1985c]

Just a humble and true man!

[@dustinpakatak]

Like seeing an in person interview with these 2. Ariel really pushed for rocky for so long and Leon showing the love back

[@nomercy4life]

Glad Leon won I was really excited about it

[@milojayjay]

I wish UFC could have interviews like this for their pre/post fight interviews. That’s why BT sport has better content/coverage than the UFC itself. People hate on Ariel but I think he gets the most out of fighters, similar to DC.

[@maryamkim1281]

So happy for this humble warrior.

[@liamwheelerl890]

Big up Ariel, if there was one person that stood up for Leon in the UFC scene its definitely Ariel

[@tornadotom2390]

He seems to be a humble, well spoken, real, happy, respectful, reserved, thankful, positive man. And a hell of a fighter💪

[@anasshahid224]

So happy for Leon Edwards! 🙌👏👏👏

[@darz_k.]

Brilliant lad. Good to see someone this genuine at the top.

[@maryamkim1281]

Absolutely

[@jtcl6647]

Love Leon, my current favourite UFC fighter. so down to earth! hope he can keep defending his belt!

[@NiiickTheGreek]

These two guys click so well. Big respect to the champ. Support from day one from Coventry

[@smokeyjoeleeds2039]

Caught myself with a stupid grin across my face so many times during this interview. Leon is such a cool guy. Great stuff.

[@sitonmuhdeckasshole]

Went from never thinking I’d be a big fan of his to him being one of my favorite fighters with one post KO interview.

[@thomasradomski4849]

No matter what happens to Leon from now on win , lose or draw , he'd a champion in life and no one can take that belt .

[@kevin_tanks_519]

Leon is a superstar awsome interview

[@stonecold316339]

Edwards vs Usman 3 Khamzat vs Colby Burns vs the winner of Belal vs Brady McGregor vs Masvidal

[@Bob_1212.]

SO HAPPY FOR LEON!!!!!

[@Darachay]

Love Leon and Respect t Ariel for his real interview and his support for him. Go Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@shauncoleman8169]

Happy for this guy.... well done Jamaica 🇯🇲 👏 👌 👍

[@13JazzyG]

And Birmingham 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TayAbroad]

Facts I’m proud of Jamaica 🇯🇲💪🏾 Y’all got champions on the rise over there

[@maryamkim1281]

@LeonWillBeatUsman true. The name is totally Irish 🤣🤣

[@lukevernon_]

OH WE LOVE TO SEE IT ! 🙌🏽❤️

[@deorajpandey1828]

I don't know why but i like leon so much he is very humble 🙏

[@nealefrancis9094]

Love this lad , humble , classy , and man he’s worked his arse off for this title

[@Pupsterization122]

So glad to see this with Ariel being with Leon’s side from the beginning

[@jamieanderson3475]

So happy for Leon

[@kingcobra998]

Leon and Ariel really are the best duo in the UFC right now. Love this kind of support 💯

[@thelastsnow6388]

I absolutely love that Leon is this happy. Please god if anyone can let this championship 'i cant be touched' attitude not get into their head, its this guy.

[@kirkwilson773]

Such a hard working humble champion UK lucky to have him

[@ALL.THINGS.GOD1]

Leon edwards is a blessed guy

[@flyinspagettimonstah]

Ariel is the man

[@dannysalinas9249]

Truly inspirational leon rocky Edward look at me NOWWWWWWWWWW

[@joshuawoodcock5696]

Thanks guys this was awesome

[@kelzangk1551]

The man and the legend. 🤝👊

[@Kimmi7581]

Beautiful interview! Awesome Champ!

[@spekblue6027]

ThatI never doubted him even in round 5. was the greatest knockout in history. well done

[@plopdoo339]

As a guy from the UK, I really would much prefer to see Leon give Jorge a good beat down and some PPV money before the end of the year. Please MMA gods make this happen some how!

[@Thomasdarya]

I’m so happy for Leon ❤️

[@4truthonearth]

ariel u should really mention once how dirrty usman fought in his last fights, they always say he is the goat in grappling but no one is speaking about his fence grapples he do in every fight, that would be a great topic to speak about. congrats leon u are, u deserve to be the champion. a really humble dude

[@truetoffee8684]

A true champion, he doesn't want it easy he wants the big scalps, good luck to him as to come from the rough streets of Jamaica and make it to the top is amazing!

[@jorksusjorky503]

interviews with areil is another beast!

[@BuckfastConsumer]

this guy class act.. I used to think he was a bully but all he done is smile all through this camp... Brum jamrock

[@jaymays6064]

Best post interview in ufc history

[@rubzzz0415]

Working Class Leon👍🏾 I’m a fan, so humble and hard working

[@sammysam3905]

bro,im so hooked on leon,i want his reign to last a thousand springs

[@crudo1991]

I remember when Conor said to Ariel that he wears loose suits wich do not fit well. For sure Ariel remembered that because his suits now are top notch

[@Trickiestree]

Ariel always been on point covering my man Leon, he knew, as a lot of us that this day would eventually arrive.

[@a_bb_a6356]

If I wasn’t a Nigerian supporting Usman, I’d support Leon. He’s clearly a decent guy

[@kuramobay2445]

Usman has earned the right to be first in line due to the nature of the defeat and the fact that Usman was lapping the division as a dominant champion. Although I also feel Leon needs an easier fight before he meets Usman again. Also, I like it when fighters get that PPV money. Leon has definitely paid his dues.

[@scottc2076]

Khamzat or Colby are harder fights for him than Usman. Usman is going to be easier now.

[@FinnMMA]

Colby llol@@scottc2076

[@FinnMMA]

and Khamzat will never be champ hes an overrated fraud with 0 gas tank Usman fight was a draw@@scottc2076

[@matthewpage5702]

Yes yes yes. So happy for this guy respect 👊👊

[@jessetotino7380]

Bless up bruv ! Congrats ! Live good bring the blessings to your family

[@hanoitripper1809]

Wasn’t expecting this bonus interview 😂👏🏻🔥

[@nationalgeoptrapic5619]

I always knew Leon could do it but the way I ever seen him losing was happening, I’m glad he did what he did and proved me right ! Love this guy and respect what he has overcame to become one of the biggest athletes around.

[@thewillow0000]

Awesome Champion.

[@adl1717]

I’ve watched ufc since the very first event literally the first ufc and and for the first time watching this sport when he won the belt I actually cried for that

[@Tezzza313]

Rocky🇯🇲🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@dankc60]

happy for him to get the fame and hopefully he makes a lot of money because i don't think he beats Usman again in the rematch.

[@mikelangdon1937]

There's never been a more greatfull or deserving champion

[@kierangrayson3695]

Best team I've seen in a long time love both guys best interviewer and best champ