5 questions that will be answered at UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2

#4. Will Jose Aldo edge closer to making history?

Jose Aldo will always be remembered as one of the most dominant champions in MMA history. Aldo was unanimously regarded as the best featherweight on the planet between 2009 and 2015 as he reigned over the 145-pound weight class in the WEC and the UFC.

'The King of Rio' is still going strong in the UFC and has emerged as a top contender in the bantamweight division.

Jose Aldo had the opportunity to become a two-division champion when he locked horns with Petr Yan in 2020 for the then-vacant 135-pound title, but came up short on that occasion. The Brazilian has compiled a three-fight win streak since that loss, comprising unanimous decision victories over Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz and Rob Font.

Currently occupying the No.3 spot in the bantamweight rankings, Aldo is likely just one win away from another shot at gold. At the upcoming pay-per-view in Salt Lake City, the future Hall of Famer will take on Georgian wrestling phenom Merab Dvalishvili, who will also be eyeing a title shot.

Dvalishvili is certainly a dark horse in the division, but doesn't have the hype that his skills warrant. 'The Machine' lives up to his moniker, having displayed tremendous output, durability and cardio in his octagon appearances thus far. In his most recent outing, he knocked out former title challenger Marlon Moraes after nearly being finished moments earlier.

Merab Dvalishvili is a bad matchup for most bantamweights and is arguably the best wrestler in the division. A win over a former champion like Jose Aldo will see his stock reach new heights.

However, Aldo is considered one of the best anti-wrestlers to ever grace the octagon. The Brazilian legend's cat-like reflexes and renowned sprawling ability have been tried and tested for over a decade and he has rarely ever been controlled on the ground. On the feet, he has a clear advantage over Dvalishvili, making this a somewhat favorable matchup.

If he emerges victorious at UFC 278, Aldo will move one step closer to making history by potentially adding his name to the illustrious and exclusive club of two-division UFC champions. This could turn out to be the 35-year-old's last shot at fighting for gold, so expect him to be more motivated than ever before.

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#3. Is Luke Rockhold a legitimate threat to Israel Adesanya?

Luke Rockhold doesn't quite get the respect he deserves these days, largely thanks to his smug on-camera persona, his shocking loss to Michael Bisping back in 2017 and his horrific run of form after that defeat. Nevertheless, at the height of his powers, Rockhold was one of the best middleweights in the world.

The former Strikeforce and UFC champion was impeccabily well-rounded, with pin-point striking and high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He even had the perfect physical frame for fighting, making him a nightmare to deal with. Rockhold has himself admitted that his fall from grace is down to mental rather than physical deficiencies.

After more than three years away from the octagon, Luke Rockhold is set to return this weekend. The 37-year-old American is targeting one final run at the UFC middleweight championship, and considering his credentials and prior accomplishments, just one or two high profile wins could see him fight for the title.

If Rockhold's recent interviews are anything to go by, there's a burning desire within him to finish his career on his own terms. As such, he seems to have let go of his long-running grudge with Michael Bisping and has been training with the Englishman's coach Jason Parillo. He has also been sharpening his tools under the watchful eye of AKA teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Luke Rockhold will have a chance to break into the upper echelons of the middleweight division at UFC 278, where he is slated to lock horns with polarizing Brazilian contender Paulo Costa.

There's seemingly some bad blood brewing between the two, but Rockhold should be wise enough to not fight emotionally when he's in the cage with the always dangerous Costa. If he sticks to his gameplan and uses his attributes effectively, the former UFC champion should come away with the win, setting himself up nicely for a shot at the 185-pound throne.