PREVIEW: Usman vs Edwards — who will claim the UFC 278 belt?

Saturday’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UCF) blockbuster between Nigeria’s Kamaru Usman and England’s Leon Edwards is set to be a marquee bout.

The UFC 278 which is a rematch between both fighters is slated to take place at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

The “Nigerian nightmare” is gunning for six-straight consecutive wins to put him at par with Anderson Silvia’s record of 16-0 victories — and without a loss.

If he wins today’s match, the 35-year-old Nigerian will hold the record for the most consecutive wins in UFC — after dismantling the previous champions Tyron Woodley (2019), Colby Covington (2019 -TKO), Jorge Masvidal (2020 – unanimous decision), Gilbert Burns (2021 – TKO), Masvidal (2021 – KO) and Covington (2021 – unanimous decision).

Kamaru, who is the best pound-for-pound in MMA at the moment, had already surpassed Jon Jones and George St- Pierre’s records of the longest win streaks to start a UFC career.

The Auchi-born former freestyle wrestler is hoping to successfully defend his welterweight title for the sixth time. He will also be aiming to beat Edwards for the second time — with the pair meeting for the first time seven years ago.

The Briton (19-3(1)), on the other hand, has evolved since he first met Usman in 2015. He has not lost after that encounter. Edwards has also added big names to the list of fighters conquered as he continues to evolve.

He overcame Donald Cerrone (2018), Gunnar Nelson (2019), Rafael dos Anjos (2019), and Nate Diaz back in June last year — all in decisions.

Both fighters are at the top of their game. While Edwards’ grappling has improved, Kamaru’s striking has been top-notched.

The Nigerian is definitely going to be Edwards’ toughest opponent as the Jamaica-born Briton is a better striker than the Nigerian. Edwards also has a slight height and reach advantage over Kamaru. He is incredibly illusive and hard to pin down, so the Nigerian cannot simply rely on his wrestling and right hand for five rounds.

But Edwards’ lack of a killer instinct when needed most in a fight will allow Kamaru to adapt — which will bring the champion’s cardio experience to the fore as the bout goes on.

Will Usman be able to hang on the feet with Edwards? Or can the Jamaican-born British professional fighter hold his own in the fight?

We will find out tonight — 10 pm US time ( which is 5 am on Sunday, Nigerian time).