UFC 286 News: Leon Edwards Predicts Usman's Performance Will Be Affected by Previous Loss

The upcoming welterweight title fight at UFC 286 between current champion Leon Edwards and former champion Kamaru Usman has been one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year. With their previous two matchups being split, both fighters are hungry for victory.

Edwards took the title from Usman with a stunning head-kick knockout in the fifth round of their previous fight in August 2022, and Usman is now determined to take it back. However, Edwards believes that Usman's performance will be impacted by his previous loss, specifically his first-ever knockout defeat.

While Usman had initially been leading with a score of 3-1 on the judges' scorecards, Edwards' last-minute rally resulted in a knockout victory. Edwards believes that Usman will struggle to adjust his fighting style, and will be affected by his previous defeat in the upcoming fight.

Edwards also pointed out that the fight will take place in London, giving him the home-field advantage. Usman, on the other hand, has never fought in someone else's territory before. Edwards is confident that the crowd's support will give him the energy he needs to secure the win.

“This will be his first time actually fighting in someone’s backyard,” said Edwards. “This is my hometown show. I’ve never lost in the UK. Edwards also pointed to the potential psychological impact of Usman having been knocked out in the previous encounter: “A knockout affects everyone different. He’s what now, 35, 36 years old? Coming off a knockout and fighting the same guy who’s just knocked him out, so lets see how he comes back and how he reacts.”

The highly-anticipated fight will take place on Saturday, with the main card airing on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+. Fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of the fight, with both fighters looking to emerge victorious. Visit MMADIVE's news tab for more information on the upcoming event.