The rivalry between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards has been heating up. It is set to come to a head at UFC 286 in a highly anticipated rematch. Their last fight at UFC 278 saw ‘Rocky’ knock out Usman with a head kick in the last minute. It was unexpected, given ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’s dominance throughout the fight.

This loss was undoubtedly a bitter pill for the 20-2-0 record holder to swallow. He has been eager for a chance at redemption ever since. Recently, ahead of their rematch, Edwards made some comments about Usman, mocking his aspirations to pursue a career elsewhere.

Leon Edwards talks about retiring Kamaru Usman

Edwards claimed that he believed that the 35-year-old was on his way out. According to him, he was going to open the door for him and show him another path to follow. This statement was undoubtedly intended to rile up Usman and get under his skin. However, it also showcased the English fighters’ confidence heading into the fight.

“I feel like Kamaru Usman’s on his way out and I was going to open the door for him and give him another path to follow his fashion dreams and follow wherever he wants to go,” Edwards said.

Usman replies to Edwards

However, the former welterweight champ was quick to respond to Edwards‘ comments. He pointed out that the 31-year-old seemed to have forgotten what happened in their last fight. While the 20-3-0 record holders’ knockout was certainly impressive, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ had dominated the majority of the fight and had been on track to win before the sudden finish.

“I mean, the funny thing about that is, I almost feel like he is forgetting what happened 24 minutes in the last fight. Of course, it was a beautiful technique (talking about the head kick). But (he is) forgetting what happened.” Said ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’.

Usman also took issue with Edwards‘ claim that he was on his way out, noting that he would only leave the sport when he was good and ready.

He added, “I am not trying to do this for another 10 years. Yeah, I am on my way out, but I’ll leave when I am good well, and ready. Until then, like the Wolf of Wall Street, I NOT LEAVING!”

The exchange of words between the two fighters has only added fuel to the fire of their already intense rivalry, and fans are eagerly anticipating their rematch. Usman is undoubtedly hungry for revenge and eager to prove that he is still the better fighter. Edwards, on the other hand, will be looking to cement his status as the new welterweight champion and prove that his victory in their last fight was no fluke.

Who do you think would come out victorious in their next bout? Let us know in the comments below.

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