Leon Edwards doesn’t see how Kamaru Usman can beat him in London.
On August 20, 2020, Edwards shocked the combat sports world by becoming the UFC welterweight champion with a fifth-round knockout against Usman. Seven months later, ‘Rocky’ looks to silence the doubter by once again defeating ‘The Nigerian Nightmare.’ The 31-year-old joined BT Sport for an interview and had this to say about the rematch:
“This time around it’ll be a totally different fight. I’ve never lost in the U.K. I’ve never lost in UFC London. Pro and amateur. I’m taking that confidence into it. I’m taking the confidence of knowing that I can knock him out into it… I can’t see how he comes over and beats me.”
Before landing the stunning head kick KO, Edwards was losing three rounds to one. Although the final result is all that matters, ‘Rocky’ does believe there are improvements to be made before fighting Usman again. In fact, the reigning welterweight champion admits UFC 278 was one of his worst performances.
Kamaru Usman v Leon Edwards II (UFC 278) pic.twitter.com/N4e8C6pTti
— Beardface Killah 🧟♂️ (@sMMAckTalk) December 30, 2022
Watch Leon Edwards’ interview with BT Sport below:
Leon Edwards believes his first fight against Kamaru Usman was one of his worst performances
Leon Edwards was one minute away from losing the biggest opportunity of his career. He did succeed in the first round, but the next three and a half rounds were pure domination from Kamaru Usman. During the same interview with BT Sport, Edwards was candid about his overall performance by saying:
“I think that’s one of my worst performances as far as career-wise goes in the UFC. To be able to still stay calm under that going into the fifth round, and to get the KO, I think that shows character from me. That shows my mental IQ for the fight game as far as like when to land that shot. I think taking all of that into the fight, it’s gonna be a good night for me… I know he’s a good fighter, but I truly believe I’m better and I can’t see how he comes over and beats me in London.”
Usman vs. Edwards 3 goes down on March 18 at UFC 286 in London, England. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is currently a massive betting favorite, but ‘Rocky’ has an advantage fighting in front of his fans.
