Dana White reveals who gets next shot at Leon Edwards: 'No matter what’

Dana White says 'no matter what' Colby Covington gets the next title shot with Leon Edwards.

There will be no confusion about who is next in line to face Leon Edwards, according to UFC president Dana White.

That's former interim champion Colby Covington.

“I don’t know when we’ll do it but that’s the fight that makes sense and Colby came here and cut weight and did everything to be here for this fight,” White said during the UFC 286 post-fight press conference (h/t MMA Fighting.) “He deserves the fight. Not to mention that he’s the second- or third-best guy in the world.”

Covington has been out of competition for a year following his unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. Just days after their fight Masvidal allegedly assaulted Covington on the streets of Miami and was later arrested. The case is still awaiting trial.

Despite White's insistance, Edwards doesn't seem all that keen with the idea.

Leon Edwards doesn't think Colby Covington should get the next crack at his belt

“I don’t know how that makes sense,” Edwards during the same press conference. “He hasn’t fought for over a year-and-a-half. Sat out. Not injured. I don’t get how he just slides in for the world title shot when there’s other guys in the division that have been active and fighting. Didn’t sit out. I’m the king now. I’ve earned my way, so I feel like I should decide who’s next.”

Many had wondered if the winner of Gilbert Burns vs. Masvidal, scheduled for next month in Miami, but White shut that down.

“Colby gets the next shot,” White said. “No matter what happens [with Burns vs. Masvidal].”

Others thought Islam Makhacjev, the UFC lightweight champion could move up and face Edwards in Abu Dhabi, but that's not the case either.

“Colby’s next,” White said. “We’re going back to Abu Dhabi on Oct. 21 but it definitely won’t be Leon and [Makhachev].”