5 reasons why Leon Edwards will beat Kamaru Usman at UFC 278
After years of hard work, Leon Edwards will finally get his title shot against Kamaru Usman in the main event at UFC 278. The welterweight championship bout is significant as it headlines the promotion's first pay-per-view event in Salt Lake City, Utah.
'The Nigerian Nightmare' is currently the No.1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion. He is also looking to strengthen his argument for being the greatest welterweight of all time. The fight marks Kamaru Usman's sixth welterweight title defense as he looks to inch closer to Georges St-Pierre's record of nine title defenses. During his reign, four of his five title defenses have been rematches as he defeated both Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal twice.
Edwards has ascended the welterweight rankings to the point where it's undeniable that he deserves a title shot. He has been overlooked for quite some time and has an opportunity to end Usman's title reign. This list will look at five reasons why Leon Edwards will beat Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.
#5. Leon Edwards is motivated to avenge his loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC on Fox 17
There will be extra motivation for 'Rocky' heading into his title bout at UFC 278. The fight with Kamaru Usman will be a rematch of their first encounter in 2015. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' earned a unanimous decision after the judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in his favor.
Dec19.2015
Kamaru Usman earns his second victory inside the Octagon,
when he defeats Leon Edwards by unanimous decision https://t.co/02WyETG7S3
Usman did a great job closing the distance and securing takedowns, forcing 'Rocky' into his fight. Although Edwards did well in defending the takedowns early on, he didn't have an answer for Usman's wrestling as the fight progressed. The third round was the difference maker as it was the Nigerian's most dominant round and ultimately won him the fight.
Edwards looked better in the first round as he landed more technical strikes and elbows off his back while attempting a triangle choke. 'Rocky' has been unbeaten since his loss to 'The Nigerian Nightmare,' so he will be motivated to avenge it and become champion.