Leon Edwards' UFC career hangs in the balance following a disheartening defeat to Sean Brady at UFC London, marking the first time he has experienced consecutive losses in his professional journey. After suffering a controversial loss to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, Edwards was under immense pressure to reclaim his status within the welterweight division. Unfortunately, the British fighter's performance left fans at the O2 Arena in shock, as he endured a dominating defeat that not only marked a turning point in his career but also handed him his first stoppage loss.

Having once stood atop the welterweight mountain, Edwards, known as "Rocky," now needs to navigate his career with caution to avoid the fate of other once-legendary fighters like Anderson Silva and Chuck Liddell, who saw their illustrious careers quickly diminish following title defeats.

In recent years, a pattern has emerged where former champions struggle to regain their winning form, and Edwards now finds himself in a precarious situation. Interestingly, former champions have had little success this year, with only Jiri Prochazka managing to secure a victory. The fear that history could repeat itself for Edwards is palpable, as seen with Silva's six-fight losing skid and Liddell's failures after losing his title in 2007.

While the idea of retirement may not be on the table for the 33-year-old, the urgent need to choose his next opponent wisely is critical. Two potential matchups could help revive Edwards' career and bolster his chances of a title challenge seem to stand out above the rest.

Jorge Masvidal: The Rivalry That Needs Resolution

The first option is a long-anticipated showdown with Jorge Masvidal. Their heated rivalry ignited back in 2019 when a backstage encounter led to Masvidal landing a "three-piece and a soda" punch combo on Edwards. This infamous incident has kept fans eager for a fight between the two, yet they have never faced off in the Octagon, despite attempts from the UFC. With Masvidal looking for a resurgence in his career since parting ways with the promotion, this matchup could provide fans with an exciting striker versus striker encounter that both fighters desperately need.

Ian Machado Garry: The Rising Star

On the other hand, Ian Machado Garry represents a fresh and intriguing alternative. Tensions rose when Garry was asked to leave Edwards' training camp in Birmingham, fueling another heated rivalry. Following his recent loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, Garry is eager to bounce back and re-establish himself in title contention. A clash between him and Edwards would not only reignite their feud but also set up an explosive encounter that could easily headline a fight card, engaging fans and stakeholders alike.

With his management under the guidance of the astute Tim Simpson, it is imperative that Edwards utilizes his next fight to refocus and redefine his career direction. Selecting either Masvidal or Garry could be the pivotal defining moment he desperately needs to reignite his path to championship glory.

As Leon Edwards stands on this career precipice, the choices he makes in the coming months will have lasting implications, not only for his legacy but also for the future of the welterweight division. Will he conquer the challenges that await him, or will he become just another cautionary tale in the sport? The next chapter of "Rocky's" journey is about to be written, and fans are on the edge of their seats.