Former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, has tipped Leon Edwards to retain his title against No. 3 contender Colby Covington at UFC 296 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night (Sunday morning Nigerian time).

Edwards first successful title defense was a unanimous decision victory over Kamaru Usman at the 02 Arena in London in March to go 2-1 up against the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’.

Usman has been in the octagon with both fighters. He is unbeaten against Covington – winning twice – while he’s fought against Edwards three times winning once and lost twice. 

Leading to the fight, there has been bad blood between Covington and Edwards with the biggest coming off Covington commenting on Edward’s late father “I’m bringing you to the seventh layer of hell,” Covington said to Edwards. “We’ll say ‘what’s up’ to your dad while we’re there,” Edwards responded by throwing a bottle of water at Covington before security separated the pair.

With UFC 296 poised for greatness, Usman tips the scales towards Edwards. He points to Edwards’ recent in-ring experience as a key factor, while highlighting the potential pitfalls of Covington’s year-long absence. Ultimately, Usman believes mental resolve will be the deciding factor, and if Edwards enters with unwavering confidence, he’ll claim the title.

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“Colby’s been off for over a year, the question is, what form is he coming in with? In my second fight with Leon, I weaponized my shape and we saw how that played out till like one minute left in the fight.

“That is one of Colby’s strengths even since he was wrestling (he weaponizes his strength).

“The last fight I had with Leon, I believe he believed he’s the best in the world, so if that’s the belief he has coming into this fight, with that hardened confidence, I think, Leon gets it done. Probably we see both guys again but if I had to pick, I’d go with Leon Edwards on this one.”

Covington’s last time out in the octagon ended in a unanimous victory win over Jorge Mashvidal in March 2022.