It seems Leon Edwards’s long wait has come to an end.

The UFC welterweight contender is expected to be the next title challenger for champion Kamaru Usman. UFC president Dana White said Edwards (19-3 MMA, 11-2 UFC) is “100 percent” next in line for the champion.

“That kid’s had a rough run and he deserves it,” White told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter. “If you look at it, Colby (Covington) lost to him (Usman) twice, Gilbert lost, Leon’s next. He’s No. 3.”

White did not provide a timeframe for the bout, but he seemed firm in his assessment that Edwards, who has been anxiously waiting for his chance, has done enough to earn his opportunity.

The Englishman is currently on a nine-fight winning streak that has seen him go unbeaten for almost six years. His last defeat came against Usman back at UFC on Fox 17 in 2015 when Usman was on his rise to the title.

Edwards is coming off a unanimous decision win against Nate Diaz back at UFC 263 in June. He was supposed to return at UFC 269 in December, but his opponent Jorge Masvidal was forced to withdraw from the fight due to injury.

Meanwhile, Usman is coming off his fifth title defense. He bested Colby Covington in a decision to win the rematch at UFC 268 in November.

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