“Leon might get the best” – Gilbert Burns predicts Leon Edwards to get the better of Kamaru Usman once again
Follow Us
Gilbert Burns (L), Leon Edwards (R) KOs Kamaru Usman
On the 22nd of August, Leon Edwards shocked the combat world by pulling out a head kick out of his arsenal that slayed the former pound-for-pound champion, Kamaru Usman.
Going into the headliner at UFC 278, fans pretty much believed that Kamaru Usman would get the job done again, as he has over the years in the UFC. Coming into the fight, the Nigerian-American fighter was undefeated in 14 fights in the promotion. His second fight in the promotion was against Leon Edwards, wherein he easily outclassed the Briton. Seven years later, as history stands testament, Leon Edwards would exact revenge against Usman.
While many believe the trilogy could go in Usman’s favour, a former training partner of the Nigerian-American has different thoughts. This former training partner in question here is perennial top five contender, Gilbert Burns. Speaking to MMAJunkie, he said, “It’s going to be a hard fight. Right now, we’ve got to see how Kamaru comes back. He seems pretty OK with the situation, a little bit released, that pressure, carrying the belt, but I see a lot of factors a lot of people didn’t see.”
Continuing, he said, “But Leon had the technique. You saw all the studies. He was drilling that a lot. I just think it’s going to be another close one, especially if they go to London. Yeah, it’s going to be a tough one. I still think it’s a 50-50 fight – both guys (have) got a chance. But in London, with that preparation, with the mindset now, I think Leon might get the best. It’s going to be a close one.”
Here, Burns can be seen referencing the fact that there is video proof of Leon Edwards drilling the exact same head kick in training that he used against Usman.
Leon Edwards confirms WHEN he will defend title against Kamaru Usman
No champion is undisputed without a title defence. That applies to newly minted welterweight champion Leon Edwards as well. Despite having bettered Usman, he must remember that he is neither undisputed nor clear of him. The two are 1-1, having last met two months back.
Now, Leon Edwards has come forward and announced when he will take on Usman. Speaking to SkySports, he has confirmed that the rematch will happen in or around March next year, in the UK.
The main area of contention is where it’ll happen in the UK. While London’s Wembley Stadium is the clear favourite, Edwards wants it at Villa Park. For those who might not know, Leon Edwards is from Birmingham, and Villa Park is the stadium where Aston Villa, one of the two teams from Birmingham, play.
However, even Dana White has confirmed that as far as the welterweight title picture goes, that is the fight that will happen first. Hence, Khamzat Chimaev or Colby Covington will have to wait out a little more to get their hands on UFC gold.
Stay Updated!
Udayan Mukherjee
(382 Articles Published)