MMA analyst Din Thomas has expressed doubts about Leon Edwards` true fighting spirit.
Following Edwards` defeat to Sean Brady at UFC London, where Brady dominated and submitted Edwards in the fourth round, Thomas, who was in Brady`s corner, stated that Edwards displayed a lack of heart during the fight. Thomas believes the turning point was when Edwards attempted a takedown in the third round.
According to Thomas, Edwards` takedown attempt signaled to Brady`s corner that Edwards had mentally checked out of the fight. He recounted telling head coach John Marquez that the fight was essentially over when Edwards shot for the takedown, indicating a lack of desire to continue.
This loss marks Edwards` second consecutive defeat and significantly impacts his position in title contention. Thomas suggests that these losses expose a fundamental flaw in Edwards` approach: a lack of true fighter`s grit.
Thomas clarified that he respects Edwards` skills and considers him a top fighter. However, he distinguishes Edwards from fighters like Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier, who possess an unwavering fighting spirit. Thomas sees Edwards more as a highly skilled athlete and performer who may lack the intrinsic fighting heart needed at the highest level, despite his proven abilities.
Thomas referenced a previous instance during Edwards` fight with Kamaru Usman where he observed a similar lack of mental fortitude in Edwards, just before Edwards secured a comeback victory. This time, however, there was no such comeback, reinforcing Thomas`s belief about Edwards` mentality.
Thomas concludes that Edwards` own team may also recognize this aspect of his character, suggesting their protective approach stems from knowing Edwards needs encouragement to tap into a deeper level of fighting spirit that he may not naturally possess. Thomas admitted to recognizing this trait because he saw it in himself during his own fighting career.
