UFC 278: Leon Edwards Looks To Complete Historical Run

Leon Edwards didn’t have the UFC debut he was hoping for back in 2014.

But eight years later, Edwards is set to challenge for the title, as he faces Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 on Saturday night.

Flashback to that November 8 night in 2014 when the BAMMA welterweight champion made his Octagon debut. Edwards dropped a three-round split decision to Claudio Silva in Brazil.

Maybe it was nerves, or maybe it was competing outside of his home country of England for the first time. Whatever the case was, Edwards didn’t get his hand raised.

He rebounded, scoring a “Performance of the Night” bonus with an eight-second knockout of Seth Baczynski in 2015 and has been on a run every since.

The only hiccup along the way? A decision loss to Usman that same year.

Since, Edwards has reeled off nine consecutive wins along with a no-contest. He has bested the likes of Nate Diaz, former UFC champion Rafael dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone during the run, showcasing his skills over multiple five-round battles.

This, though, will be the ultimate test. And will ultimately show just how far Edwards has come.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Edwards has battled some tough times outside the Octagon. This Saturday night, he can fulfill his dream with a win over Usman.