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Peter Akinbo.
UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards believes that the result will remain the same when he steps into the Octagon against Kamaru Usman in a potential rematch.
Edwards shocked the mixed martial arts world when he knocked out Usman at UFC 278 back in August to capture the welterweight throne.
It marked Usman’s first loss in the UFC, and won Edwards his first title under the promotion’s banner. He also extended his winning streak to 10 straight fights.
Now, Edwards is expected to rematch Usman in his first title defence once Usman is fully recovered from his knockout. It will be the third time the pair has fought in the UFC, the first resulting in an Usman decision win back in 2015.
Speaking to Daily Star Sport in a recent interview, Edwards discussed how a potential trilogy between himself and Usman would play out.
In Edwards’ estimation, he doesn’t expect to see too much improvement from the former champion, while for himself, he expects to put on a much better performance, calling the night of his title win an off night for him skill-wise.
“It was one of the worst performances of my career and that was the best Usman we’re going to get.
“That’s what he does in fights, that’s the best we will see – and it was the worst of me. I think it will be a totally different fight – with the same result.
”I thought the altitude played a big difference, my body wasn’t reacting, but it felt slower, I was slower to react. We took all the precautions to try to avoid it but yeah it played a massive part.”
While a fight with Usman is the most likely scenario for Edwards’ next fight, there are also other possibilities. A showdown with Jorge Masvidal has also been discussed given the men’s issues with one another.
UFC President Dana White and other UFC officials have been in contact with Edwards regarding his title defence, with London’s Wembley Stadium and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium being mentioned as potential venues.
However, nothing has been made official yet.