Kamaru Usman – Leon Edwards 2 announced as UFC 278 headliner

Dec 14, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kamaru Usman (red gloves) reacts before a bout against Colby Covington (not pictured) during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC will be heading to Salt Lake City in August and tonight they announced the main event. The welterweight title will be on the line in a rematch as the champion Kamaru Usman (20-1) will defend his title against Leon Edwards (19-3, 1 NC).

As mentioned, the matchup will headline UFC 278 on August 20th in Salt Lake City. For Edwards, he’s finally getting the shot that he’s been waiting years for. In his last ten fights, Edwards is 9-0, 1 NC.

The last time that he was defeated inside the octagon, it was against Kamaru Usman. Edwards last fought in 2021 when he took on Nate Diaz at UFC 263. Leon Edwards looked sensational in that fight, however, things got really dicey in the final round.

Diaz rocked Edwards badly and nearly finished him, but “Rocky” held on and won the lopsided decision. Now, he’s getting his shot at UFC gold and he’s getting the chance to show everyone that he’s the best in the world.

Another UFC title defense for Usman

Kamaru Usman isn’t just the UFC welterweight champion, he’s the pound for pound king at the moment. He’s been flawless inside the octagon and with every fight, he seemingly gets better and better.

The last time we saw The Nigerian Nightmare it was at UFC 268 when he fought Colby Covington for the second time. Just like the first fight, the second fight was very close, but Kamaru Usman got his hand raised and retained his title.

The champion has been nursing a hand injury that’s kept him out of action for all of 2022 thus far. However, he’s been cleared to resume full time training and the UFC has Leon Edwards waiting for him.

When these two men first fought, Usman’s wrestling was just too much for Edwards. However, both men are so much better than they were the first time and this UFC 278 main event is going to be a completely different fight. I personally can’t wait for this one.