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UFC takes third shot at Leon Edwards-Khamzat Chimaev fight after COVID-19 delays, sources say

Will the third time be the charm for Leon Edwards vs. Khamzat Chimaev? UFC is hoping so.

The promotion has rebooked the welterweight fight for March 13, sources confirmed to ESPN. The bout will serve as the main event of a UFC Fight Night card.

Edwards-Chimaev was originally set for Dec. 19 but was rescheduled for Jan. 20 after Edwards tested positive for COVID-19. That date eventually got canceled after Chimaev was dealing with lingering symptoms from his own COVID-19 diagnosis.

MMA Junkie first reported the new scheduled fight date.

Edwards (18-3) has won his past eight bouts but hasn't fought since July 2019. He was scheduled to fight Tyron Woodley in March 2020 in London, but that fight was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Chimaev (9-0) is 3-0 in UFC and was viewed as one of the sport's breakout stars of the past year. He most recently knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds in September. Edwards will be his first ranked opponent in UFC.