Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards 2 UFC Betting: Back Usman to Retain in Lengthy Fight

It’s an exciting week to be an MMA fan because UFC 278 is quickly approaching on Saturday, Aug. 20. The stars of the UFC are taking over the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah for a pay-per-view event that you won’t want to miss.

Though the card is filled with intriguing matchups, all eyes will be on the main event as Kamaru Usman (20-1) defends the UFC Welterweight Championship against Leon Edwards (19-3, 1NC).

This headlining tilt marks the second time that these two foes have collided. Usman emerged as the victor from that meeting, leaving time to tell who’ll assume that role on Saturday night.

Here is a look at the latest Usman vs. Edwards 2 odds from various sportsbooks before the duo collide on Saturday.

UFC 278: Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards 2 Fight Odds (as of Saturday, August 20)

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline Sportsbook

• Kamaru Usman -355
• Leon Edwards +270

Bovada Sportsbook

• Kamaru Usman -380
• Leon Edwards +300

BetUS

• Kamaru Usman -360
• Leon Edwards +275

BetMGM

• Kamaru Usman -350
• Leon Edwards +275

Usman Heavily Favored to Defeat Edwards Again

After becoming one of the most lethal welterweights that MMA has ever seen, Usman is the heavy favorite across the board to retain his championship against Edwards at UFC 278.

Usman’s best odds to win at the moment sit at -400 on BetOnline, BetUS and BetMGM. Those odds equate to an implied probability of exactly 80%, giving you a good idea that most oddsmakers see “The Nigerian Nightmare” retaining as a near-lock.

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see Usman heavily favored after beating Edwards when they last met at UFC on Fox 17 back in December 2015. The two welterweights went finished all three rounds of their fight, but it was Usman who was given the unanimous decision victory once things headed to the judges’ table.

While that fight was nearly seven years ago, it still proves that Usman can handle Edwards. Can he do it again? It remains to be seen.

Both fighters are heading to Salt Lake City with impressive streaks. For Usman, the 35-year-old hasn’t lost since his second-ever MMA fight, winning 19 consecutive outings ahead of UFC 278. He’s notched five successful since winning the welterweight championship, with three of those victories coming by KO/TKO.

On the other hand, Edwards hasn’t lost since his last meeting with Usman. “Rocky” has won nine of his last 10 fights and might have won the 10th had he not accidentally poked Belal Muhammad in the eye, resulting in a no-contest.

Usman certainly has the striking advantage in this matchup, averaging 4.66 significant strikes per minute compared to Edwards’ 2.62. That was made evident in their first clash when Usman led in strikes, 126 to 36, by the time all was said and done.

As great as Edwards has been, Usman is on a different level and pulling off the upset win will be far from easy.

UFC 278 Betting Markets & Trends for Usman vs. Edwards 2

As usual, BetOnline Sportsbook has UFC 278 markets that let fans wager on more than just the moneyline. In fact, these markets can even give you an idea of how Usman vs. Edwards 2 might unfold.

For now, Usman is favored to win the fight by decision at -110 odds. Ten of his last 14 fights have gone the distance, resulting in as many wins for the UFC Welterweight Champion.

As far as Edwards goes, his most likely method of victory is to win by KO/TKO at +550. It’s tough to imagine that happening considering that Usman hasn’t lost in nearly a decade, while his only defeat came by submission.

BetOnline is also favoring that the fight will go the distance at -154 odds.

If you’re looking to get more value out of your wager, method & round combo betting has Usman favored to win by knockout in Round 1 at +900.

Usman vs. Edwards 2 Fight Prediction

Much like their last meeting, I fully expect Usman to score the victory at UFC 278. He’s been too dominant not to like and I don’t see Edwards having the tools needed to dethrone the champion.

There’s not much value to be had with an Usman outright victory, so I’m taking him winning by decision at -110 on BetOnline Sportsbook. It’s the most likely scenario here and both men are known for longer fights, making it highly probably that Usman will need to go the distance to retain his gold.

UFC 278 Event Details

When is UFC 278?

UFC 278 will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022.

Where is UFC 278?

UFC 278 will take place at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What time does UFC 278 start?

• UFC 278 Early Prelims Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
• UFC 278 Prelims Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Start Time of UFC 278’s Main Card: 10 p.m. ET

How can I watch UFC 278?

The early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass, while the prelims will be available on both ESPN and ESPN+, and the main card will be available via pay-per-view (which can be ordered through the ESPN+ app).