Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman 3/18/23 – Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman is the headline bout of UFC 286, an MMA event taking place at The O2 Arena in London. After two years, Usman’s reign as UFC Welterweight ended last August when Edwards knocked him out. Follow the UFC betting guide to place your bet on your favorite fighter in this exciting battle.
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman
Date & Time: Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET
Location: O2 Arena in London, England
TV: ESPN+
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman Betting Odds
Edwards
Moneyline: -250
Usman
Moneyline: +210
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman Analysis
Leon Edwards has achieved a professional record of 20-3-1 since 2011, when he first entered the UFC. Three years after that, Kamaru Usman emerged as one of his losses in the division; beating him by unanimous decision that year and coming within 56 seconds of doing the same in their subsequent bout. On August 20, 2022, Edwards shocked Usman with a stunning KO at 4:04 of the fifth round. Usman had been outhit by 83 significant strikes – 28 more than Edwards had made. Additionally, Usman made five takedowns while Edwards only managed one. The Englishman can count himself lucky for getting a win, but Usman will take his next fight even more seriously. That being said, Edwards must step up his game – his fitness seems to be impeccable right now.
Kamaru Usman is currently ranked No. 5 on the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, having previously held the top spot for almost a year prior to his KO loss to Edwards. This fact alone accounts for why Usman is considered a likely victor on Saturday when he defends his title against Anthony Pettis. He held the championship belt for over two years, winning it in March 2019 against Tyron Woodley. Subsequently, he went on to defend it five times against Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal (twice) and Gilbert Burns (once).
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman Stats
| Edwards | Usman | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 20-3-0 (1 NC) | 20-2-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 15:50 | 17:07 |
| Height | 6′ 2″ | 6′ 0″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs. | 170 lbs. |
| Reach | 74″ | 76″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Switch |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 2.59 | 4.55 |
| Striking Accuracy | 50% | 53% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 2.28 | 2.56 |
| Defense | 53% | 57% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.39 | 3.01 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 33% | 48% |
| Takedown Defense | 68% | 97% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.4 | 0.1 |
Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman Free Pick
Both fighters possess excellent striking, yet each has consistently won by decision in their previous fights. We predict a similar outcome this weekend in London. Usman may be the superior fighter, but he will likely exercise more caution this time around. Thus, it appears likely that this fight will go the distance. We anticipate judges to rule in Usman’s favor; however, it could easily end up being a split decision. Take Usman on the moneyline as per UFC betting lines.
Free Pick: Kamaru Usman +210
