Leon Edwards has hit back at Brazilian star Gilbert Burns after he accused him of avoiding a fight with Jorge Masvidal and branded him 'an ugly b------' for making a bunch of wild accusations on social media.
Since losing to Kamaru Usman, 'Rocky' has put together a nine-fight winning streak, including victories over Donald Cerrone, Nate Diaz and Vicente Luque.
But 'Durinho' has called him a 'coward' suggesting he has taken an easy route to a title shot against the winner of Usman vs Colby Covington despite the fact he now has a fight booked against Masvidal.
Edwards was having none of it however, telling MMA Fighting: “He’s an ugly b------, that’s what I say to him.
“Everything he posts on social media is talking s---.
"You put his name and ‘I'll fight anybody’ but really he won’t.
"He’s doing it just to keep his name relevant.”
Burns recently told ESPN: "I think, stylistically, it’s a good fight for Leon Edwards. And bro, the guy hit you with three-piece and a soda. And you’ve been asking for this fight for years. Now the guy says yes, you say no? Man, that guy’s a freakin’ coward.”
But Edwards says he can't understand where Burns is coming from given his apparent willingness to fight anyone at any given time no matter their position in the rankings.
“I’m the only one that’s taking all these risks. Khamzat [Chimaev], Masvidal, [Nate] Diaz, I’m the only one that’s fighting and taking all these lower ranked guys. Like what the f--- is going on?"
He added: “Like I said, it is what it is. I keep doing my thing. I keep making my moves, keep making my money and eventually I’ll be a world champion.”
And while he knows he can't please everyone, he does admit that it can get rather frustrating at times.
“It’s a mad world. The MMA world is mad. I’ve come to realize that these people are crazy,” he admitted.
"I can’t sit and listen to it. I keep doing my thing and stay focused on the task at hand. You can’t pay too much attention to it. It will drive you mad.
“Some of the things I see on social media it’s like what’s going on? Everyone out there is tweeting and talking s--- but I’m the only one that’s making moves.
I’m the only one that’s putting it all on the line. I’ve grown into a title shot but I’m taking a back step, fighting No. 6 [ranked UFC fighter] in the world to then fight for a title. It’s all good. Let them talk.”
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