UFC 278 is finally here, and it’s a rematch everyone’s been waiting for. Leon Edwards has been waiting patiently for his shot at the UFC welterweight title. Now, he has a chance to win a title while also avenging a loss against champion Kamaru Usman. UFC 278 takes place on Aug. 20 inside Utah's Vivint Arena.
A three-time NCAA DII All-American, Usman had a freestyle record with over 35 wins. He made his MMA debut in 2012. After losing the second fight of his pro career, Usman has won 19 in a row. He beat Tyron Woodley in 2019 for the UFC welterweight title. Usman has defended the belt five times. "The Nigerian Nightmare" beat Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal twice, and beat Gilbert Burns via TKO.
Usman's last fight was a unanimous decision win over Covington in November. He has been recovering from hand surgery ever since.
Edwards made his pro debut in 2011. A BAMMA welterweight champion, Edwards joined the UFC in 2014. After losing his first bout for the promotion, Edwards has gone 11-1 with one no-contest.
“Rocky” lost to Usman back in 2015. Since then, he has gone on an impressive win streak, beating the likes of Vicente Luque, Bryan Barberena, Donald Cerrone, and Rafael dos Anjos.
Edwards was supposed to fight Khamzat Chimaev in 2020 and '21, but complication on Chimaev's end due to COVID-19 affected those plans. Edwards returned to action in March '21, facing Belal Muhammad. The fight was deemed a no-contest after Muhammad couldn't continue following an eye poke. Edwards last fought in June '21, beating Nate Diaz at UFC 263.
Now the two come face to face in what could be described as fate, Edwards looking for redemption against the one person he lost to.
Watch it all live at the Official Home of UFC.