Exclusive: Leon Edwards aiming to be ‘best UFC welterweight of all time’ and beat Georges St-Pierre's record

Ahead of his fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, Leon Edwards has explained how chasing Georges St-Pierre’s welterweight records is his 'main motivation'. The reigning UFC welterweight champion also told TNT Sports that he was hoping to "make a statement" against Muhammad in Manchester this weekend, having never lost a fight on home soil before.

'That's the goal right?' - Edwards explains why he's chasing St-Pierre record

Video credit: TNT Sports

UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards has told TNT Sports that his "main motivation" is chasing Georges St-Pierre’s records.

Edwards is in action at UFC 304 in Manchester this weekend, taking on Belal Muhammad in a title fight.

The pair previously fought in March 2021, but the bout was ruled a no contest. Now, Edwards is looking to "make a statement" as he chases St-Pierre’s records.

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"What's driving me now is finances, for me to provide for my family, for me to secure the future of my son and my mum," he explained.

"Also to be able to be the best welterweight of all time. I'm not far off on that GSP [Georges St-Pierre] record – that's the goal right? I need to chase that, that’s what gets me up in the morning, to get up and run when I can’t be bothered.

"That’s the record that’s keeping me in the gym, keeping my focus. That aim is my main motivation. Everyone says, 'is the crown heavy yet?' – I can’t feel it yet. That’s the motivation for right now."

'100%!' - Edwards says he's looking to make a statement at UFC 304

Video credit: TNT Sports

St-Pierre holds the welterweight records for the most UFC title fights (14), most wins in UFC welterweight title fights (12), and most successful title defences in a row (9).

Edwards will have his third title defence against Muhammad, having already fended off Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

"I’ve pushed myself hard this camp to go out and make a statement," Edwards said. "I’ve never lost on home soil, I’ve had a lot of fights.

"I’m taking all the confidence, all the work I’ve put in, never lost on home soil – I’m putting all of that into one big fireball and taking it Saturday night, that’s what I’m feeling right now."

Edwards also suggested he would be fighting one more time this year.

"I want to get one more in," he said. "I wish I fought in April, then I could have got at least two or three this year. That was my goal. Hopefully I’ll be at Madison Square Gardens in November, something like that would be perfect, so let’s see."

UFC 304: What TV channel is the main card on?

Live coverage from the Co-op Live arena in Manchester begins at 03:00 UK time on Sunday, July 28 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.

What time does UFC 304 start in the UK?

The prelims start at 01:00 on Sunday, July 28, with the main card following at 03:00. The early prelims, which can be watched on UFC Fight Pass, start at 23:15 UK time on Saturday night.

discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.

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