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#2. Kamaru Usman seems more focused on going after the UFC light heavyweight championship
While he isn't discrediting Leon Edwards as a formidable opponent, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman continues to tease a move to 205lbs. He has mentioned in numerous interviews that he believes he could become the light heavyweight champion.
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Not only has Usman talked about attempting to achieve double-champion status, but his manager continues to promote the idea. He might not have intended to, but 'The Nigerian Nightmare' could be more preoccupied with what's happening in another division than his own. This could be risky as Edwards could take advantage and put Usman's plans at becoming light heavyweight champion to a screeching halt.
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Amanda Nunes is a recent example of how looking too far ahead could be costly. Prior to her first bout with Julianna Pena last December, there was more talk about a potential super fight with Kayla Harrison. The PFL women's lightweight champion was a free agent and wasn't even under contract with the promotion. Nunes was then submitted by Pena, and the bout with Harrison became a what-if for the time being.
#1. Leon Edwards has been overlooked in the UFC welterweight division
Even with his impressive performances, 'Rocky' has been overlooked in the UFC welterweight division. He has remained unbeaten for seven years since his loss to Kamaru Usman and arguably should've received a title shot much sooner. It seems like he's always had to solidify his ranking more than other contenders in the division.
'Rocky' is currently riding a nine-fight winning streak that includes wins against Nate Diaz, Gunnar Nelson, and former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos. His winning streak is more than the seven-fight streak that earned Covington his title shot and the three that earned Masvidal his chance at gold.
Depending on what transpires, Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards 2 could possibly lead to a trilogy bout. Edwards, essentially being overlooked throughout his ascension up the rankings, could shock the world and find himself the new champion.
