As one of the most physically demanding sports there are, UFC fighters are known for being hailed as aspirational figures for those looking to embark on a fitness routine. To compete in the Octagon takes not only an ability to confront your fear of a right hook to the face, but extreme discipline, relentless drive to succeed, and an unwavering work ethic that sees you grind daily – even when muscles are screaming at you to stop and your mind isn’t in it. For those who call themselves UFC fighters, nothing is left to chance. You need only look at Leon Edwards to see why he’s emerged as one of the best in the sport today.
At the UFC 273 main event matchup against reigning Welterweight title-holder, Kamaru Usman, Edwards was labelled the underdog by a long shot. Everyone expected Usman to win, and the questions that remained were only a matter of just how quickly he could get the job done. It came as a shock then, that Edwards didn’t go down as anticipated. Despite being matched against the top fighter in any division, with Usman being ranked number one in the promotion’s pound-for-pound rankings, Edwards managed to evade his advances and made it to the final, championship round. It was there that he delivered the best finish to any UFC fight in 2022: with just a minute left, he knocked out Usman with a high kick.
Safe to say, everyone in attendance was stunned. Except, perhaps, Edwards, who had long believed in himself and his capabilities. Since that incredible result, Edwards became the UFC’s first Jamaican-born champion and just the second based out of England, according to ESPN.
But Edwards isn’t a one-trick pony, and while he certainly has explosive power, his arsenal also includes other fighting elements that he’s been known to bring out on occasion. As he revealed in an interview with Men’s Health US, the high kick though happens to be one of his favourites. “I’ve always been good at kicking, for some reason,” explained Edwards.
He credits his skill as a result of the mixed martial arts he signed up to at the age of 17, the result of wanting to focus his energy on something positive and avoid getting into trouble. There, Edwards realised that he could channel his energy toward kickboxing, but as the years wore on, he began to add other disciplines like jiu jitsu. “I feel a knockout is much better than a submission,” Edwards said
We might not quite have the power (just yet) behind a punch to deliver the kind of force Edwards has in excess, but in the meantime we can train like the reigning UFC champ. Here, he shares the strength training routine he credits as getting him in fighting-fit shape to take on any opponent, while keeping him toned and energised outside of the Octagon, too. Check it out below and see how you fare.
Leon Edwards’ Weight Room Workout
Warmup
Treadmill
5 minutes
The Workout
Chest and Back Superset
Perform these exercises back-to-back with little to no rest. Repeat for 3 to 4 total rounds.
Bench Press
20 reps
Incline Dumbbell Row
20 reps
Posterior Chain Superset
Perform these exercises back-to-back with little to no rest. Repeat for 3 to 4 total rounds.
Trap Bar Deadlift
20 reps
Med Ball Slams
20 reps
Finisher
Stationary Assault Bike
5 sets of 10 second sprints. Rest for 20 seconds between sprints.
