UFC 286 tips: Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman battle it out for welterweight glory

These are just a few ways to describe the rematch between Leon "Rocky" Edwards and Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman. The duo will face off in a trilogy match on Saturday to settle the score once and for all.

Edwards enters the bout not only as the champion but also as a sizeable underdog.

Despite sporting an undefeated run dating back to his first match with Usman in 2015 and boasting wins over UFC veterans Nate Diaz and Rafael Dos Anjos, Edwards has failed to get the respect from the oddsmakers for his homecoming contest.

It's clear to see why Usman is favoured. His dominant title reign was underpinned with a deadly wrestling game and one punch knockout power.

That's where the key to victory lies for Usman, his pressure and wrestling is second to none in the welterweight division and a grinding performance on enemy territory might be what is needed to reclaim his crown.

If Edwards wants to keep his place sat on the welterweight throne, he needs to assert himself with that crisp striking that has served him so well.

Possessing one of the best jabs in the division and a vicious teep kick to the body, Edwards will look to sap the life from Usman using his body attacks whilst stinging him with beautiful boxing.

This will be a close fight, their previous fight was one of fine margins that ended with an explosive finish.

I predict whoever successfully implements their gameplan best will win the fight, but with the roar of the hometown crowd behind him, I predict Leon Edwards to get the job done in front of a raucous O2 Arena.

Ten of Edwards' fourteen UFC fights have gone to decision.

Edwards is the only man to have taken down Usman in the UFC

Leon Edwards to win the fight