There’s a couple of things about the UFC that we love. We’re fans of a close finish, we love a backstory behind an underdog, we love watching a main card live at the pub with our mates, and we love a knockout. But if there’s one thing that stands out above the rest, it’s a fiery rematch. After months of speculation MMA fans are in for a treat, UFC 278 has finally arrived, and with it comes a rematch of epic proportions.
How did the two fighters get here?
Leon Edwards has been patiently waiting in the wings for his shot at a UFC Welterweight title. Quietly going about his business after a 2011 debut, he’s dropped one fight (his first) and has since gone on to record 11-1. A record which has moved him to the top of the weight division category and has finally locked in a title fight at the upcoming main event, UFC 278. His opponent? The very man he lost to back in 2015, in his first professional encounter, Kamaru Usman.
While Edwards has been quietly rising, you’d have been lucky if you hadn’t heard Kamaru Usman’s name. A certified champion, he’ll be vying for his sixth straight title defence, and to continue his journey into the history books. Between conquering the welterweight division, taking part in major movie productions (a small low budget film by the name of Black Panther) and spending time with fellow champ and friend, Francis Ngannou, we’re not sure where he finds the time to train. While he wouldn’t claim to be a submission expert by any means, Usman is undoubtedly one of the UFC’s greatest grapplers. Though a few of his 19 straight wins inside the octagon have come as a result of knockouts, those wins are largely due to his incredible wrestling and strength while on the floor.
Who has the upper hand?
It was Usman’s technique that handed Edwards his first loss in 2015, and inevitably put him on the path he is now. As a result, Edwards spent time at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), a facility well known for producing champions along the likes of Daniel Cormier. ‘Rocky’ went on to learn how to combat the aggressive wrestling technique and the results were immediate, having not dropped a fight since.
Many have been asking when Kamaru Usman’s next fight is? And we finally have an answer from the UFC, Usman and Edwards will face off Sunday 21 August in a huge rematch. With Usman the odds on favourite to take the win though many are predicting that UFC 278 will prove to be harder than expected for him. They’ll be supported with a bumper undercard lineup, bantamweight contenders José Aldo and Merab Dvalishvili looking to cement their spot within the top half of the division. While Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold battle it out in the middleweight category.
Who do we think will come out on top?
Kamaru Usman has our tip, although we’re expecting Edwards to bring the heat. While José Also will prove too strong for lower ranked Dvalishvili. UFC 278 will set the tone as we head into the end of the year and fighters in all divisions aim to finish the 2022 season off in style. Want to know where you can watch UFC 278? Head to your local pub to catch all the action.
Where can I watch UFC 278?
Catch all the action Sunday 21 August 12pm AEST, 11:30am ACST, 10am AWST.
Find your local pub here.
