Leon Edwards ‘feels 30% better as champ’ – and wants to retire Kamaru Usman
Leon Edwards takes on Kamaru Usman in their highly-anticipated trilogy bout at UFC 286 – having earned new motivation and energy by getting his hands on the belt.
The welterweight champion knocked out the-then P4P king Usman in the final minute of their August rematch having lost out by decision back in 2015.
Having been the chaser in the division ever since that defeat, Edwards is now the hunted having brought a numbered card back to the UK – and feels stronger than ever.
READ MORE: UFC 286 preview as Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman headlines and Justin Gaethje returns
Edwards told Daily Star Sport as part of the wider media: "It feels good. I like the pressure. I enjoy the pressure and I put it on myself and my team do as well.
"I know how good I am and what I can do. For me it's about what I can do for my family and my friends, the people that are close to me that are going to be there.
"I haven't fought in the UK for about four years, so for me to come back as a champion and defend my belt in front of them that gives me added motivation and energy."
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He added when asked about being at the top of the division, having been chasing a title shot for so long: "It feels good. I went through a mad patch when everyone was avoiding me.
"They didn't want to fight me but I took the hard route to get to where I wanted to get to and I achieved my goal. They say that when you become the champion you get 30% better and I truly felt that.
"I felt like I've got better physically and mentally."
Edwards also expressed his doubts over the career of Usman going forward, saying that he might well 'follow his fashion dream' should he lose again this weekend.
He said: “[Usman] is on his way out, and I’m just gonna open that door for him to go and pursue his fashion dream.
“Whether he retires after or not, that’s up to him.”
With the early preliminary card shown on UFC FIGHT PASS from 5pm, the prelims will be shown free to air on BT Sport 1 and the BT Sport YouTube channel from 7pm.
UK viewers can watch the UFC 286 main card exclusively on BT Sport Box Office for £19.95 from 9pm.
The main event between welterweight rivals Edwards vs Usman is expected to begin around 10.30pm, depending on the results of the proceeding fights.
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