UFC Welterweight champ Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards step back into the Octagon to face off for the first time since 2015 in the main event at UFC 278 on Saturday. Usman is the heavy chalk to again beat Edwards. Also on the main card are bouts between Merab Dvalishvili and Jose Aldo, and a throw down between Paulo Costa and Luke Rockhold. Check out UFC Odds, analysis, and free picks for all five bouts on UFC 278’s main card.
MMA Betting Preview for UFC 278: Usman Vs Edwards 2
UFC 278 Event Info
- When: Saturday, August 20 at 7:00 pm ET
- Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
- TV / Streaming: ESPN + / PPV
Harry Hunsucker +501 vs Tyson Pedro -769
Pedro’s record, 8-3, isn’t that much better than Hunsucker’s 7-5. But the underdog is up against it big time in this.
Not only does the favorite have a 4-inch reach advantage, but Pedro is 3-1 in TKO and KO wins and 5-1 via submission victories. Hunsucker is 0-4 via submission wins. The chalk prevails.
UFC 278 Pick: Tyson Pedro
Wu Yunan +100 vs Lucie Pudilova -120
Slight favorite Lucie Pudilova returns to the UFC after spending her last 6 bouts throwing down at Oktagon MMA. Pudilova went 5-1 in her Oktagon bouts.
The reason Lucie isn’t more of a favorite is because in 2020, the last time she fought at UFC, she got drubbed. Wu Yunan, though, is on a 3-match losing streak. Pudilova grabs the win.
UFC 278 Pick: Lucie Pudilova
Merab Dvalishvili -133 vs Jose Aldo +109
Aldo has won 3 straight. He has a real chance to beat Dvalishvili. But although Jose Aldo deserves much respect and he did look good in his last bout, a unanimous decision over Rob Font in December, the favorites is the pick.
Dvalishvili has won 7 straight. Merab hasn’t lost since 2018. Not only that, but he’s gotten more patient since the last loss. 6 of the last 7 wins have come via decision.
UFC 278 Pick: Merab Dvalishvili
Luke Rockhold +284 vs Paulo Costa -370
Rockhold steps back into the Octagon for the first time since losing to Jan Blankowicz via knockout in a 2019 bout. Luke doesn’t return versus a cupcake.
Paulo Costa suffered the first loss of his career in a championship bout versus Israel Adesanya in 2020. Last year, Costa lost again, this time falling to Marvin Vettori. Costa wants to be a part of any title fight discussions.
A victory over Rockhold might do it. But Luke has a 7 inch reach advantage and he should be fresh after the layoff. Also, it’s tough for any MMA fighter to come back after a couple of devastating losses.
UFC 278 Pick: Luke Rockhold
Leon Edwards +285 vs Kamaru Usman -370 | UFC Welterweight Title Fight
What is there to say about Kamaru Usman? The 20-1 champion has defended his title in 6 straight. Usman has beaten Jorge Masvidal twice, Colby Covington twice, Gilbert Burns, Tyron Woodley, Rafael Dos Anjos, everyone.
Name a top, active UFC welterweight, including Leon Edwards, and there’s a good possibility Kamaru has bested him. But although Edwards has only a small shot at the upset win, Leon is the better bet.
Since losing to Usman, Edwards has won 9 with a no contest. Not only that, but Edwards’ ground game is excellent. Leon is 3-0 in submission victories. Edwards is 6-0 in knockout wins. Usman won’t take down Edwards easily.
The longer the fight goes, the more Leon’s chances grow. The dog is worth backing.
UFC 278 Pick: Leon Edwards
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