'Easy decision' to drop Edwards fight - Della Maddalena

Australian Jack Della Maddalena said it was an "easy decision" to cancel his fight with Leon Edwards and fight UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad instead.

The 28-year-old Della Maddalena was booked to headline alongside Briton Edwards at UFC London on 22 March, but will now challenge for the UFC title on 10 May instead.

Edwards remains at the top of UFC London, fighting American Sean Brady instead.

"I was ready to go, big fight [against Leon Edwards]," said Della Maddalena at a news conference on Wednesday.

"Bit of a change in opponent but I am pretty confident I can get the win. I'm ready to tackle the next few weeks, sharpen the tools and come in the best version of myself.

Edwards, a former UFC champion himself, lost his title to Muhammad last July but the UFC wanted to keep the Birmingham fighter on the London card.

The 33-year-old is expected to be granted a chance to reclaim his title if he wins his next few fight.

American Muhammad upset the odds to beat Edwards in Manchester and defends for the first time.

The 36-year-old is on a 10-fight unbeaten streak, including one no-contest, and said Della Maddalena was stepping out of the "kiddie pool into the deep end of the ocean".

Della Maddalena has won his last 17 fights, seven of those in the UFC, and this will be his first time challenging for a UFC title.

"I am the best striker in the welterweight division," said Muhammad. "I am the best grappler, I am the best wrestler, I am the best fighter.

"We've seen it. Leon Edwards – he was the next one up. He knocked out Kamaru Usman and I made it look easy. I am going to make it look easy on 10 May. People keep doubting me and I am just going to keep breaking those barriers."

UFC Fight Night: Leon Edwards v Sean Brady (welterweight)