UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has proved his dominance with his undefeated run in the octagon. Now, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ will have to defend his throne against another challenger in Leon Edwards. ‘Rocky’ will look to achieve immortality with a win at UFC 278, but refrained from speaking about his upcoming UFC bout. Instead, he gave his view on what would happen if Usman received his long-cherished fight against Canelo Alvarez.

In his appearance on The MMA Hour, Edwards said, “As far as that Canelo talk, he (Kamaru Usman) needs to calm down. I don’t think he is what he thinks he is. As far as striking, who has he fought?”

He further added, “Masvidal is probably the best striker out of… Colby. Masvidal and Burns, and he’s just a scrappy striker. I think he’s getting way ahead of himself.”

“I think so. I think listen, like, you know when you are younger, you just get into striking, you start knocking everyone out…He actually believes that he can do it. It’s like when amateur walks into the gym, and start having success in the gym, and they go into fights and have success, then finishes. They actually think they can be the best in the world…I think he actually believes it.” 

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When asked if Usman could hang with Canelo, ‘Rocky’ replied, “No…He is too slow. Flat-footed. He can’t. Canelo is one of my favorite boxers already, you know.”

This statement by Edwards will help to promote his championship fight with Usman. While ‘Rocky’ will face the champion at UFC 278, this is not the first time the duo will be fighting.

A glimpse into Kamaru Usman vs Leon Edwards 1

The current scenario in the UFC welterweight division is interesting. Champion Kamaru Usman will defend his title against Leon Edwards at UFC 278: Usman vs Edwards 2. Given their past fight, both men will have a basic idea of what it is like to share the octagon with the other.

The first fight in 2015 started with Usman looking for a takedown, but Edwards displayed an excellent takedown defense. However, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ applied relentless pressure and took the fight to the ground.

The second round started with Usman landing a huge left on the feet, which hurt Edwards. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ immediately took ‘Rocky’ down, but the British fighter got back to a standing position.

As Edwards was worn out, Usman secured easy take-downs throughout round three as well. Although the Brit regained his vertical base, it wasn’t for long. ‘Rocky’ did make some submission attempts, but ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ maintained a dominant position while landing damage. At the end of the fight, judges handed Usman a (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) unanimous decision.

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Edwards will be hungry to level the scores and become the champion. Meanwhile, Usman will look to extend his reign at 170 lbs. What do you think will happen in the rematch at UFC 278? Also, share your views on Edwards’ take on a potential Alvarez vs Usman match.