What does the future hold for Kamaru Usman if he defeats Leon Edwards at UFC 278?
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Kamaru Usman
The Welterweight Kingpin Kamaru Usman is set to defend his title for the sixth time against Leon Edwards at UFC 278. This is the rematch between the two. They first met in December 2015, where Usman defeated Edwards via unanimous decision.
The Nigerian Nightmare is currently on a 19-fight win streak and is yet to taste defeat in the UFC. He is currently cleaning out the 170lbs division of contenders. At 21 fights his record currently stands at 20-1. His only MMA loss was at the hands of Jose Caceres back in 2013 by submission.
After defeating the then-champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 in 2019, he captured the Welterweight title. Usman’s reign of dominance can be judged by the types of fighters he has faced and defeated in his reign as champion. Kamaru Usman is currently the Pound for pound #1 in the UFC.
On the other hand, #2 Edwards is on a 9-fight win streak. His last loss is at the hands of the man he is scheduled to face at UFC 278. After the loss in 2015, Leon went to rack up 9 wins. His MMA record currently stands at 19-3-1. In his last outing, Edwards defeated fan favourite Nate Diaz via unanimous decision in one of its first kind 5 rounds non-title fight.
Related: ‘The Greatest Ever’ – Fans go crazy over UFC 278: Kamaru Usman vs Leon Edwards official trailer
Kamaru Usman intends to move up to 205lbs to challenge the champion
In the past, the champion has stated his intentions of moving up to Light Heavyweight to claim the double champ status and cement his legacy. Historically, champions have moved up or down one weight class to try their shot at becoming the double champion. Likewise, Usman’s logical move would’ve been to 185lbs.
However, The champion has very good relations with the middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, which is the reason for him skipping the 185lbs division. In order to avoid fighting his friend. In the past, Kamaru has explained how he has grown too comfortable in the division. Due to this, he seeks a challenge and him moving to 205lbs would be a relatively easy job since he is the Pound for Pound King.
With a dominant reign as any, Usman is already being considered one of the best in the world. Defeating Edwards for the second time and moving up to 205 would only add further to his legacy. Usman would also be the first fighter to jump up to two-weight classes in order to attempt the ‘champ champ’ title.
Now we will have to wait till August 21 (IST) to see if the champion retains his title and continue his reign in the Welterweight division, or will Edwards defy the odds and do the unthinkable and beat the champion. It would also be interesting to see Usman’s next move if he retains at UFC 278.
Also Read: Welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman bags guest starring role in a Marvel film
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Abhijit Singh
(125 Articles Published)