5 reasons why Leon Edwards will beat Kamaru Usman at UFC 278

#4. Edwards's striking is better than Kamaru Usman's recent UFC title challengers

What makes Leon Edwards stand out compared to other UFC welterweights is his elite striking ability. As showcased in his 2015 bout with Usman, Edwards is very technical and has only improved since then.

See Edwards' best knockouts below:

Looking back at Kamaru Usman's recent challengers, Jorge Masvidal is the only opponent known for his striking. Colby Covington is primarily a wrestler with incredible cardio and durability, and he had some promising moments while striking with Usman. Gilbert Burns, although well-rounded, is much more dangerous with his jiu-jitsu. He stunned 'The Nigerian Nightmare' with his powerful strikes, but the champion regrouped and successfully retained his title.

Edwards could feel an added degree of confidence heading into his title fight. He has witnessed other fighters, who aren't technical strikers like himself, have success while exchanging with Usman in the standup.

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#3. Edwards proved he is capable of beating high-level wrestlers and grapplers in the UFC

'Rocky' has been tested throughout his UFC career. He has competed against high-level wrestlers and is still able to pick them apart in the standup. He has also done well against jiu-jitsu black belts, who many thought would pose a threat to him.

Edwards' ability to manage distance with his strikes makes it difficult for his opponents to find a pattern. During his bout with Belal Muhammad, his aggressiveness made it difficult for 'Remember The Name' to find his rhythm. Despite the fight ending in a no-contest due to an eye-poke, it's hard to deny that Edwards was in control until that point.

In the Jamaican native's most recent win against Nate Diaz, he showcased it once again. Aside from a late surge by Diaz, it was a fairly dominant performance. Diaz is a third-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu compared to 'Rocky', who is a purple belt. And so, one would assume that Diaz would be much more comfortable if the fight got taken to the ground.

However, Edwards kept his composure and found a way to constantly strike Diaz from range, even tripping the Stockton native and dropping him during the fight.