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

#2. Is it finally Leon Edwards' time?

Leon Edwards suffered the lone loss of his UFC career over six years ago at the tender age of 23, against Kamaru Usman. The Englishman barely had any wrestling pedigree at the time, and as such, he adopted a defensive approach against Usman, an NCAA Division 1 standout.

Edwards came away with a unanimous decision loss, but showed decent takedown defense against 'The Nigerian Nightmare'.

Both Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman have improved tenfold since their initial 2015 clash. The welterweight duo have torn through the ranks and are now set to lock horns with UFC gold on the line.

Edwards, who will turn 31 just days after his upcoming championship bout, is inarguably in the prime of his career. 'Rocky' is now riding a 10-fight unbeaten streak, comprising wins over the likes of Vicente Luque, Donald Cerrone, Rafael dos Anjos, and in his last outing, Nate Diaz.

Edwards will have the chance to exact his revenge at UFC 278 against Usman, and if he emerges victorious, it'll be poetic to say the least.

The Birmingham native could become the second-ever English champion in promotional history, and a win over the only man to beat him, who is regarded as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, is certainly fitting.

---

#1. Can Kamaru Usman further solidify his claim to being the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC?

Kamaru Usman cemented his legacy as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world with a dominant run in 2021, wherein he defended his welterweight title against Gilbert Burns, Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. His wins over Masvidal and Covington in particular have seen his stock reach new heights.

If he comes away with another win at UFC 278 to further extend his championship reign and nine-year unbeaten run, Usman has a real argument to be considered among the greatest fighters to ever grace the octagon. He is riding a 15-fight win streak in the UFC, just one win behind the current record holder, Anderson Silva.

Leon Edwards has never been finished in his professional career, and if Usman gets a stoppage victory in their rematch, there can be no doubt that 'The Nigerian Nightmare' is the most dominant champion of the modern era.