Myktybek Orolbai is still in the process of finalizing his next fight, with his team confirming a formal announcement is expected within days. Leon is among the options under consideration but has not been officially confirmed, and the matchup could change before a deal is signed.
Myktybek Orolbai's camp has confirmed that his next fight is still being finalized, with a formal announcement expected within days. Leon Edwards has emerged as one of the options under consideration, though sources stress the matchup has not been officially confirmed and the opponent could change before any deal is signed.
Orolbai, 28, enters the picture riding a strong run of form. The Kyrgyzstan native trains out of Uluu Kyrgyz Team and carries a record of 16-2-1. Standing five-foot-ten with a 74-inch reach, the orthodox fighter has built his reputation largely on relentless grappling, averaging an eye-catching 8.77 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also mixes in a credible striking game, landing 2.78 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy.
Edwards, known as Rocky, is a former welterweight titleholder now ranked ninth in the division. The 34-year-old Englishman out of Team Renegade holds a record of 22-6-0 and brings a contrasting profile to the potential matchup. The southpaw stands six-foot-two with a 74-inch reach and has long been regarded as a sharp, composed striker, landing 2.62 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy. His takedown output is modest by comparison at 1.18 per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A win over Edwards would carry significant ranking weight in the welterweight division for Orolbai
- The stylistic contrast is pronounced, pitting a high-volume wrestler against a polished southpaw striker
- Edwards is looking to re-establish himself in title contention from his current ninth-ranked position
- The situation remains fluid, and the confirmed opponent may differ from what is currently being reported
