Leon Edwards vs. Jack Della Maddalena targeted for UFC London main event in March

Ex-UFC champ Leon Edwards is expected to get a homecoming for his return to action when he faces Jack Della Maddalena at the upcoming UFC London card on March 22.

Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed the news to MMA Fighting on Sunday. The fight was first reported by Australian Benny P MMA on YouTube.

The five-round main event serves as Edwards’ first fight since losing his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad this past July. That loss ended Edwards 13-fight unbeaten streak, which included two title defenses against Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

As for Della Maddalena, the highly touted Australian slugger makes his first appearance since UFC 299 when he scored a dramatic comeback against Gilbert Burns with a third-round knockout. The win moved Della Maddalena to 7-0 in the UFC, but he suffered a broken arm during the fight that has kept him sidelined for an extended period of time.

Now healthy again, the 28-year-old Contender Series veteran is resumes his career with a showdown against Edwards that could vault the winner into title contention.

The UFC London card takes place at O2 Arena on March 22 with the full card and bout order still to be announced.