Next weekend, Leon Edwards will try to defend his welterweight title for the very first time against Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 286.
While many believe that the striking advantage lies with Edwards, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is the superior grappler heading into the bout. However, Dave Lovell, the coach of the welterweight champion, believes that his student is “more than prepared” for Usman’s wrestling.
Lovell was featured in the recently released vlog of Leon Edwards’ fight camp in preparation for his bout against Kamaru Usman. In the video, Lovell analyzed Usman’s possible game plan heading into UFC 286, and stated:
“What can Usman really bring to this [fight]? Apart from his cardio and his A-game wrestling, does he want to stand with Leon? Like I said, we’re yet to see. I think he’s just going to try and bring his wrestling A-game, and Leon is more than preprared for what he’s got to come.”
Leon Edwards was the first man to officially take Kamaru Usman down in an MMA fight during their previous clash at UFC 278. In the past, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has used his grappling skills to dominate several opponents, and is regarded as arguably the best wrestler in the promotion.
At times, Usman was able to overwhelm Edwards with his superior grappling during their last fight. However, ‘Rocky’ ultimately landed the telling blow of the contest when he knocked Usman out cold with a headkick in round 5.
Watch the video below from 3:15:
Leon Edwards believes his perfect record in the UK will help him against Kamaru Usman
Leon Edwards has fought in the UK five times during his UFC career, winning all of those bouts. ‘Rocky’ believes that his undefeated record on home soil will help him against Kamaru Usman next weekend. The pair are set to headline UFC 286, which takes place in London, England.
Edwards and Usman are currently 1-1, with ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ defeating the current welterweight in 2015, before ‘Rocky’ evened the score last year. Their trilogy fight is one of the most anticipated clashes of the year, with many fans eager to see whether Edwards’ headkick-KO was a fluke or not.
Leon Edwards appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani last month to preview his third bout against Kamaru Usman, stating:
“I’ve never lost in the UK as well… And for Usman to come to the UK [at] my headline show, in London for the belt, I just can’t see how he gets it done you know. But I’m excited for it and I can’t wait”
Watch the video below from 3:00:
Follow us on Twitter to get regular sports updates.