This past weekend Leon Edwards did the impossible yet again and defeated Kamaru Usman via decision. The Welterweight Champion was doubted by many in the rematch with Usman. Opinion Octagon did not and we have the receipt in our picks post! Leon proved that the London altitude would even the playing field as far as cardio goes as Leon's pace held strong through all five rounds. The bout was fantastic, Leon and Usman went toe-to-toe, but Leon won every round in my opinion except round three.
You could argue Usman won round two, but even so Leon clearly won the rest of the fight. Outside of the main event, Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev stole the show. The pace that Rafael Fiziev likes to fight at is like watching The Flash fight, and he controlled the pace in round one. However, Justin Gaethje took crontol in rounds two and three. Justin Gaethje might be the most exciting and unpredictable fighter of all time. You really never know what's going to happen when he steps inside the octagon outside of the fact that you're going to watch an amazing fight.
Not only is Gaethje an absolute warrior, but he doesn't bleed. You could hit Justin with brass knuckles and he'll come out unscathed. It is one of the most amazing attributes I've ever seen in a fighter. His nickname is the highlight for a reason and with Fiziev as his dance partner, no wonder they won fight of the night. I would have liked to see the fight go two more rounds, but Fiziev is definitely a top lightweight, he just isn't quite ready for a title opportunity. It appears no matter how hard, or fast you hit Justin Gaethje the only way to beat him is by submitting. If you are a fighter and can't pose a submission threat to Gaethje, you better put cement in you gloves. Gaethje said he has one more run to the title in him. Whether he gets there or not his next fight should be a rematch against Dustin Poirier. That'll be another fight of the night for Gaethje.
On Friday, Opinion Octagon took Mokaev via submission. We were sweating during this fight. Especially while Mokaev's leg was bending the wrong way due to Filho's knee-bar. Muhammad Mokaev showed out-of-this-world toughness. He has the heart of a warrior and was able to withstand the pain of his leg and then submit Jafel Filho. Unbelievable. There is some controversy surrounding this fight because there was a moment in the fight well before Mokaev was in a compromised position where Mokaev does look like he is tapping, but today on the MMA Hour Muhammad said that Filho accidentally had his hand in his boxers. Mokaev claims that Fihlo apologized and his so called "tap" was him saying "all good brother."
I don't doubt it because if he isn't going to tap that that gruesome knee-bar, he's not going to randomly tap out of the blue.
Back to the real story of the night, Leon defending his belt. Leon Edwards successfully defended his belt in front of his home crowd and the UFC immediately spoiled his moment. I felt like I was watching a WWE Money-in-the-Bank cash-in. The UFC wanted to make the moment about Colby Covington, and the MMA world is baffled. For starters, Dana White says he doesn't book fights after fights. Now he's saying Colby is next no matter what. Meanwhile Colby hasn't fought in over a year and is 2-2 in his last four. It's nonsense and the majority of people see right through it. Leon is standing strong and saying he will have a say in who he fights next. He said that in the press conference on Saturday and today on the MMA Hour. According to Leon, Colby is not next. I hope he is right. Leon would ideally prefer Jorge Masvidal to beat Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in a few weeks and then grant him the title shot to settle their beef. Leon even mentioned Belal Muhammad who has been active and is on the second largest win streak in the division outside of himself. Shame on the UFC for trying to push the next fight rather than just allowing Leon to enjoy his moment. It seems he's still in great spirits, as he should be because he is the Welterweight King!
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