Leon Edwards defends his welterweight world title for the first time, this time against Kamaru Usman in UFC 286 at London on Saturday.
The Birmingham fighter shattered the odds to defeat pound-for-pound legendary Usman in August. The Birmingham fighter became only the 2nd UFC champion hailing from the UK.
The two fight to the finish for the 3rd time, and are tied with one win each. Will Edwards be successful in defending his title? Or will Usman make a mess of “Rocky” in the home arena?
Edwards 31, 31, has pledged to knock Usman out once more, saying: “I’m the better fighter than him. I’m also the best striker And I’ve already knocked him down before, therefore I’ll take him out once more.”
Who do you think is the best bet? We’ve surveyed some major names in all over MMA to give their opinion regarding the main fight.
Welsh featherweight Jack Shore: “I’ve got to support Leon. The fight he performed last time does not impress you as an MMA enthusiast… and the fact that he’s won his first UFC championship from the first team, it’s a great feeling.”
Flyweight Molly McCann: “I can’t think of a winner this time around, but I believe it’s going to go all the way and I’m going put my money on Leon. We all wanted for him to win the last time, and he’s given us confidence that he will win again. It wasn’t a chance.”
Former light heavyweight UFC title opponent Justin Gaethje: “They’ve been fighting for 39 minutes, and Usman has been dominant for 37 of those. He was knocked down in the in the first round of the fight, which lasted for around two minutes, but beyond that, he’s an unstoppable force. I’m expecting the same from Usman.”
Birmingham flyweight Jake Hadley: “Leon Edwards is expected to win another win by knockout, possibly earlier in the process – round 3.”
UFC welterweight , and Edwards the former adversary Gunnar Nelsonsays “I consider Leon has the potential to be victorious. I believe Leon will appear much better than the last time. He was a fantastic opening round followed by a couple of difficult rounds, and an impressive finish, clearly. He’s likely to appear a lot better. I don’t think he’s looked like him and I believe we’re likely to witness a far more attractive Leon Edwards.”
American world welterweight Bryan Barberena: “I think this fight will be quite different from the second fightit’s definitely going to be more intense, but I’m leaning towards Usman being victorious.”
Middleweight, Roman Dolidze “Kamaru is going to win the fight. However, the fight is MMA and one shot could alter the outcome – their last fight showed that.”
Scottish strawweight Joanne Wood: “I think it’s going to be an amazing fight and I’m in Leon’s side and I believe that Leon will succeed.”
Featherweight Lerone Murphy: “My prediction is that Leon Edwards finish in the third round.”
Middleweight Marvin Vettori: “I think Kamaru will be back to do it. He’ll get his belt back.”
The former Cage Warriors champion Christian Leroy Duncan: “I like Usman as a fighter. He is a fantastic fighter. But I’m rooting for home man.”
Edwards his teammate Jai Herbert: “I feel that Leon is likely to take another stoppage win. I’ve been watching him during training with him and also trained with him, and he’s appearing stunning. I’m really hoping for him to take on the world and put an end to Kamaru Usman once more.”
UFC first-timer Sam Patterson: “Leon gets the job completed. I believe this will be an amazing fight. I am convinced Leon is the greatest fight in the world.”
