KAMARU USMAN acknowledges that Leon Edwards has grown exponentially since their first meeting seven years ago.
Pound-for-pound champ Usman is a rising southpaw early Saturday night at his main event at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City. defend the welterweight title against
The 30-year-old Edwards has won nine of his last 10 bouts since welcoming Usman to the UFC in December 2015, adding to the champion's wrestling progress. Impressed.
The Nigerian Nightmare told his SunSport:
"He is more calculating now and very relaxed.
" He has excellent takedowns his defense and even on offense, his wrestling him offense is growing exponentially.
"I've seen him win fights in wrestling and grappling.
"So he's really rounded out the game to the point where he's a complete fighter."
Despite seeing Edwards off once already, Usman refuses to underestimate the threat the Bruisers of Birmingham pose to his throne. continued: "So I respect that and nothing separates from it. I fully respect his ability.
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I don't take it for granted, I just take his skill for granted."
Usman, too, has made significant improvements since his first clash with Rocky. We are not raising our hands solely on wrestling.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 21 winner has become somewhat of a knockout artist since partnering with new coach Trevor Wittman.
And he's confident he'll reach his sixth straight title.
He said,
A win over Edwards would put Usman one step closer to a welterweight title.
If Nate wins his showdown with Diaz next month, he will be on his way to a showdown with undefeated genius Kamzat Chimayev.
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