When ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Kamaru Usmsan returns to the Octagon on August 20 against a familiar rival in Leon Edwards, he will seek to make it a record-tying 16th straight win in the UFC.
After recovering from hand surgery following his unanimous decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 268 last November, Usman will defend his Welterweight title against Edwards in the main event of UFC 278 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Both boxers have already met, with Usman winning a unanimous decision against Edwards on December 19, 2015, and a second victory over his British opponent will further solidify his standing as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter.
The 35-year-old has won 15 consecutive fights in the UFC, which is second only to Anderson Silva’s 16 consecutive wins in the promotion’s history. His entire MMA record is 20 wins, with 19 of them coming in a row and only one loss.
After dethroning former champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 in 2019, Usman will be making his sixth successful welterweight title defense in Utah.
Edwards hasn’t competed since defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 263 in June 2021, with a record of 19 wins, three losses, and a no contest.
The Jamaican-born fighter, who is based in England, has gone ten fights without losing, with his most recent loss coming seven years ago to Usman.
