It feels like the longest time coming for all UK MMA fans. Leon Edwards has finally got a date with the UFC Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. UFC 278, August 20th, we finally see the pair square off. With injuries and bad luck, hopefully out of the way, Edwards will look to win the gold and be the second Brit to bring a big shiny belt to UK shores.
Road to the Title for Leon
Fighting out of Birmingham, England, the Brit has earned his opportunity at the gold, by going on a ten-fight unbeaten streak (9-0 1 NC). His last performance was a dominant five-round striking affair with the ever-tough Nate Diaz. Other names on Leon’s resume are former Lightweight champion, Rafael dos Santos. UFC mainstay and future hall of fame inductee Donald Cerrone, and another surging welterweight contender in Vincente Luque. These are just a few of the top names Leon Edwards has beaten inside the octagon.
At 30, and now entering what many believe to be the sport’s prime. Leon sits at number two in the division with an overall record of 18-3 (UFC record 11-2 1 NC). Not many can complain about “Rocky” getting the shot after a massive winning streak. A string of bad luck which saw injuries, covid and travel restrictions all stand between him and his shot at the gold. Now it’s his time and best believe he will make it count.
Repeat or Revenge?
We knew this match-up was in the pipeline for a while now. With Dana White’s announcing as such during the press coverage for UFC London earlier in March this year. It’s taken longer than expected to materialise as the current champion and pound-for-pound king, Kamaru Usman has been nursing a hand injury.
In what will be a rematch, over six years in the making, Leon will hope it’s different this time around. He Lost a Unanimous decision to the Nigerian back in 2016. Kamaru was the last man to beat Edwards, and the Brit will be looking to take revenge when the stakes are at their highest.
Styles Make Fights
A classic match-up between two styles and a couple of ever-evolving mixed martial artists. Both are exponentially better than their previous meeting. Leon is a long and technical striker known for his sensible approach and smooth attacks, getting in and out with minimal damage taken. Usman, on the other hand, is an elite wrestler, who can control you all night long.
Two men who can’t be defined by one style, Usman has of late been producing the good on the feet. No more evident than his spectacular KO of the Year vs Jorge Masvidal. Leon has seen his ground game improve over the years and has tangled on the ground with some of the best the UFC has to offer.
UFC 278
Now confirmed for the event, UFC 278 takes place on August 20th. Taking place in the Vivint Arena located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is the third bout to be announced with the previous two being a Middleweight clash between Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa. As well as, another Brummie in Jake Hadley who takes on Victor Altamirano.
With more information still to come, hopefully, we see this event start earlier with a UK star headlining.
Does Leon Edwards finally earn gold at UFC 278?
Follow me on Twitter at @LHart2222 and follow us at Combat Sports UK for more exclusive content!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Image and
