During Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, Usman (20-1 MMA, 15-0 UFC) and Edwards (18-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) traded barbs about plenty of things – much of which had nothing to do with this weekend’s fight inside the octagon for the welterweight title.
“Talk is talk,” Usman told reporters, including MMA Junkie. “There’s one thing that got me here, and that’s my work ethic. Success only drives me to work even harder. If they think I’m slipping, it’s going to be a bad night for him.”
Despite Usman’s comments, Edwards stands by his beliefs going into UFC 278, which takes place at Vivint Arena and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN/ABC and ESPN+.
“It’s not personal for me,” Edwards said. “I believe I am No. 1. I’m out to prove it. He’s just now wearing a t-shirt and closing up his t-shirt. It’s all good.”
Usman said he’s not particularly bothered by Edwards’ insinuations, and said it all stems from the challenger wanting what the champion has.
