At UFC 286 on March 18, Leon Edwards will defend his championship against Kamaru Usman in the main event. Despite the fight’s subsequent confirmation, Usman’s hand ailment has already raised some questions regarding the contest.
Many thought Jorge Masvidal would win the title due to his rivalry with Edwards, and “The Nigerian Nightmare” would miss out on an immediate rematch. Rocky has revealed, though, that Usman has always been the lone rival under consideration.
It’s interesting to note, though, that Edwards first expressed some concern over Usman’s injuries and even called the UFC management. In an interview with Sky Sports, the reigning UFC welterweight champion stated:
“Kamaru has always been there. There are some of these social media speculations that state, “So, now he’s suffered an injury.” So I immediately called the UFC and asked, “What’s going on?” After speaking with him and his team, I can report that he is OK, back in training, and scheduled to arrive in March. I was a little frightened at first and thought, “Hand harm!” However, after that, yes, it was good.”
Ali Abdelaziz, Usman’s manager, previously dismissed any reports and expressed confidence in the booking. Dana White announced Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 shortly after during the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight press conference.
Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 1 & 2
‘Rocky’ was 2-1 in the promotion when Kamaru Usman made his second UFC appearance in 2015 and faced Leon Edwards for the first time. Later, “The Nigerian Nightmare” decisively outgrappled Edwards, winning by unanimous judgement.
The last time Edwards lost a battle was that one. The native of Birmingham eventually went on an 11-fight winning streak, which included a no-contest victory over Belal Muhammad. Usman, meanwhile, went on to win the welterweight championship, sweeping the field aside from his former rival.
At UFC 278 there was a rematch between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman, with the champion starting as a huge favourite. The Nigerian Nightmare brutally outclassed Edwards in what seemed to be a rematch of the first battle, seemingly justifying the odds.
Usman just had thirty seconds left to beat the timer when “Rocky” delivered a head kick that stunned the MMA community and rendered him unconscious. The Birmingham native will now attempt to defend his reign on March 18 in front of his home supporters in London.