KAMARU USMAN acknowledges that Leon Edwards has made great strides since their first meeting seven year ago.
The welterweight champion Usman will defend his title against the surgeing southpaw in Saturday's main event at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City.
Kamaru Usman will defend the title of welterweight against Leon Edwards at UFC 278
Seven years ago, Edwards and Usman clashed in an welterweight matchdown
The Nigerian Nightmare has made a vow to "dominate again" the Brits
Edwards, 30 has won nine of his ten last octagon bouts since welcoming Usman to UFC in December 2015. He has impressed the champion with his improvements in wrestling.
SunSport was informed by the Nigerian Nightmare that he had seen many improvements with Leon.
"He is more relaxed now and less calculated."
His takedown defense and offense are excellent. His wrestling offense has increased exponentially.
"To the point where I have seen him win fights with his wrestling, and his grappling.
"So he has really rounded out the game to where it's more of an all-round fighter now."
Usman refuses to underestimate the threat Birmingham's bruiser poses to his throne, despite having seen Edwards twice.
The 35-year old continued, "So I respect that. I fully respect his abilities.
"Just because we fought one time and I won, does not mean that I should take that victory for granted. Take his skills for granted."
Also, Usman has made significant improvements since his first encounter with Rocky. He is not dependent on his wrestling anymore to get his hand raised.
Since joining forces with Trevor Wittman, the Ultimate Fighter season 21 winner is a bit of a knockout performer.
He is confident that he will defend his sixth consecutive title in dominant fashion.
He stated, "I'll go there and do the best I can." He said that he would dominate the situation from beginning to end.
Usman will be one step closer to removing Edwards from the welterweight division with his victory over Edwards.
This could put him on the road to a showdown against undefeated phenom Khamzat Chimaev - provided that the Russian wins his clash next month with Nate Diaz.
