“If they think I’m slipping, it’s going to be a bad night for them,” Usman says before facing Edwards
Leon Edwards has the chance to become the second British champion in UFC history tonight when he challenges Kamaru Usman for welterweight gold in Salt Lake City.
Seven years ago, Usman pinned Edwards as part of what has become a 19-fight winning streak for the Nigerian-American, who is considered by many to be the UFC’s pound-for-pound king. However, Edwards has not lost since then, winning nine straight fights and had to wait patiently for his first shot at the title. The Jamaican-born Briton will be looking to avenge his loss to Usman and leave Utah as champion tonight, with the welterweight title fight capping what should be an entertaining card.
In the main event, former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold returns to the Octagon after a three-year absence. The American, who has suffered three knockout losses in his last four fights, faces former title challenger Paulo Costa – who himself offers a significant KO threat. Ahead of this bout, former featherweight champion Jose Aldo continues to pursue another shot at the bantamweight belt. The Brazilian icon takes on Merab Dvalishvili in what could be an intriguing contest at 135lbs. Follow round-by-round live updates and results from UFC 278, below:
UFC 278 LIVE
Aldo vs. Dvalishvili – Round 1
Aldo immediately occupies the center of the Octagon. Merab with a spinning back kick to the body!
He then lands a front leg kick to the head, but his range is way out of bounds.
Loud “Jose Aldo” chants from the crowd in Salt Lake City. Now Merab supports him.
Merab shoots for a double leg takedown against the fence then transitions to a single. Neither works. Aldo’s best takedown defense on display.
Now his ferocious leg kicks are on display too! He hits Merab’s body.
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 04:09 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Huge reaction for Aldo in Utah. They love it.
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 04:06 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Meanwhile, Georgian Dvalishvili is on a seven-fight winning streak after recently coming back from the brink of defeat to stop Marlon Moraes last September.
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 04:02 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Aldo lost a controversial decision to Marlon Moraes in his bantamweight debut before unsuccessfully challenging for the vacant title against Petr Yan, who stopped the featherweight icon.
Since then, however, Aldo has won three in a row.
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 4:01 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Next, former featherweight champion Jose Aldo continues his bid for bantamweight gold for a second time.
The Brazilian faces rising contender Merab Dvalishvili.
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 03:57 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Lucie Pudilova defeated Wu Yanan by TKO in the second round (elbows, 4:04).
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 03:50 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Janan vs Pudilova – Round 2
Pudilova’s trainer John Kavanagh – who also trains Conor McGregor – yells at her to get on her back, which she does!
She tries to do a back open throttle but fails to lock it.
Janan keeps moving and Pudilova ends up in mount, landing some rough elbows on top!
Janan goes face down and covers and Dean tags in! Everything is over!
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 03:49 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Janan vs Pudilova – Round 2
Janan lands body shots, then pops up for a left-right hook combo to the head, though Pudilova blocks well.
The women exchange kicks at the same time, then Pudilova lands a few low kicks.
The women grapple and Pudilova secures a trip to the headlock.
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 03:47 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Janan vs. Pudilova – Round 1
Pudilova is warned by referee Herb Dean that she is not working from side control. She throws an elbow back, then a hammerfist.
Pudilova tries to set up an arm-triangle choke, but Janan reads it well. However, Pudilova was able to move into mount before taking her back when Janan reversed.
Janan does well to stand, but Pudilova backs her up against the fence.
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 03:43 am
UFC 278 LIVE
Janan vs. Pudilova – Round 1
Pudilova immediately tackles Yanan and brings her back to the fence.
Janan breaks free and elbows outside the break. Now the Chinese woman throws a series of leg kicks.
However, Pudilova shortens the distance with a takedown with two legs and secures it with ease!
Yanan immediately goes for an armbar, but Pudilova breaks free and moves into half guard, then side control.
Alex PatelAugust 21, 2022 03:41 am
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