UFC 278 the countdown begins and returns to pay-per-view this weekend with a stacked card headlined by two title fights.
In the main event, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman puts his belt on the line against second-ranked contender Leon Edwards. This will be a rematch between Usman and Edwards fight in 2015, which Usman won via unanimous decision in the third round.
Kamaru Usman is motivated to defend his welterweight title for the sixth time at UFC 278 against Leon Edwards. Usman is aware of the advice from coaches and mentors not to get too comfortable with his success, but he remains focused and wants to leave a legacy as one of the best fighters. Edwards is on a 10-fight unbeaten streak, but his last defeat was to Usman nearly seven years ago. In the co-main event, middleweight contenders Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold face off. MMA analyst Andrew Gombas has tracked more than 1,400 selections and has shown a 6 percent return on investment for his followers. Over the past two years, his followers have netted more than $10,000.
Middleweight bout Brazilian Paulo Costa will face Luke Rockhold in the co-main event.
So who will prevail at UFC 278? Here’s a look at the two main fights.
Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards 2
This is a rematch of their 2015 fight, which Usman won via TKO in the fifth round. Usman is currently on a 15-fight winning streak in UFC and 19 in a row. He is only lost one fight in his professional career. He is a dominant wrestler with great striking accuracy and power. Edwards is a former interim welterweight champion and is currently on a nine winning streak. He is a well-rounded fighter with great wrestling and grappling skills. He also has good striking power and accuracy.
Prediction: Usman via TKO in the fourth round.
To focus on what Usman has accomplished rather than how he has changed over time
Usman is undefeated in the UFC, with his first victory coming from “The Ultimate Fighter.” He has since then gone on to KO two contenders, Gilbert Burns, and Jorge Masvidal. His fight style has constantly been evolving, and Dana White, president of the UFC, has stated that he deserves to be considered one of the promotion’s best champions. Edwards, his opponent, has a similar wrestling base but hasn’t had as much recent success. Out of his last seven wins, six have come by decision. However, he does have an 8-second knockout from 2015.
Paulo Costa vs. Luke Rockhold
This is a fight for the ages. One of the best two middleweights in the world go toe-to-toe in what promises to be an explosive battle. Costa lost his last fight against Marvin Vettori in 2021 UFC Fight Night. After that Costa vs. Rockhold fight was canceled in UFC 277. On the other hand, Luke Rockhold is a former champion who knows how to win when it matters most. This will surely be a great fight with significant implications for the middleweight division. Who will come out on top? Tune in to find out!
Prediction: Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision
Conclusion about UFC 278 Usman vs. Edwards 2
Looking ahead to UFC 278, it’s hard not to get excited about the potential rematch between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards.
Edwards performed a masterful performance the first time around, controlling the Octagon and landing more significant strikes than Usman en route to a decision victory. It was a close fight, but there’s no denying that Edwards deserved the win.
Now, with both men having won their most recent fights impressively, a rematch seems all but inevitable. And given how close their first bout was, it’s sure to be an exciting one.
So who will come out on top at UFC 278? Will Edwards finally get his revenge, or Usman will prove once again that he’s the better fighter? Only time will tell you, but one thing is for sure: tonight it’s going to be a great fight.
