Everyone loves an underdog story, and what’s a better story than the one scripted by Welterweight champion Leon Edwards? His fifth-round victory against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 was a moment that would be etched into MMA history forever. And not just that, UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes that the confidence that Edwards gained from that win is something that would help the Englishman in securing yet another one as he gets ready for his first title defense. Rogan, in his latest episode of the JRE MMA show, expressed his admiration for the Jamaican-born as he sat down with Paul Felder.

The duo talked about Edwards‘ fight against Usman. They also discussed how his confidence and the crowd could be the catalyst for a successful title defense.

Joe Rogan points out to Paul Felder how the confidence from his last fight will help Leon Edwards

On being asked about his opinion on the UFC 286 main event, Felder initially stated that although it was in London, he believed Usman would be much better prepared this time.

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“I love that it is in London for Leon; but based on how that fight was going the first time, I think Kamaru’s gonna go in there, be much more dialed in, and not allow a moment like that to happen again. I think he’s gonna be able to pull off a win.” stated the former Lightweight.

What Felder mentioned could be a factor as Usman is known for his dominant wrestling style. Against Edwards specifically, the Nigerian has arguably won almost all the rounds in the two fights they fought.

Rogan, although, felt otherwise. The commentator pointed out how a win against someone like Usman will give Edwards the conviction to do it again. The fact that he was the one interviewing him after the fight must have also pushed him into making the observation.

“Well, it’s hard to say man because when you watch a guy like Leon Edwards realize that he could KO Kamaru with one shot, and then he pulls it off and also took him down in the first round. Now he’s the champion, he’s got that Championship confidence that Championship rub, you know, like who knows,” stated Rogan, leaving a potential outcome for his listeners to guess.

Paul Felder believes London has some of the craziest MMA fans

As they continued on the subject, Felder also brought up the aspect of the crowd in London. Since UFC 286 goes down in The 02 Arena, Edwards is expected to have home support; which could clearly play a big role in deciding the outcome. The Birmingham local will walk in with confidence while Usman might be subjected to a hostile crowd. Not surprisingly, Felder also pointed out how the English crowd was nothing like he has ever seen anywhere else.

“I agree. I think it’s I think he’s going to have a lot more confidence coming into this one. And the London crowd is a real thing. I mean the last few that I’ve worked there, man, they make Brazil seem quiet anymore. I mean that crowd there is just crazy” claimed the former UFC lightweight.

What Rogan stated is clearly a factor. The fact that Edwards knocked out Usman clean will not only give him confidence; but it will also weigh heavily on the Nigerian too. A scary knockout always changes a fighter and their capacity to take more damage. Thus, we might just have to wait and ultimately find out if Edwards can make a repeat of the same sequence that got him the world title.

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