This weekend (Sat., Aug. 20, 2022) at UFC 278, the Welterweight title is on the line. Headlining the event will be reigning 170 pound kingpin, Kamaru Usman, who attempts to earn a sixth straight title defense and tie the record for most consecutive UFC wins at 16. Standing in his way will be No. 3-ranked contender and old foe, Leon “Rocky” Edwards. In the pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event, Middleweight action fills the spotlight as the one-time title challenger looks to get back in the win column after dropping two in a row. The same can be said for his opponent, former champion, Luke Rockhold, who returns for the first time since March 2019.
Costa vs. Rockhold#UFC278
pic.twitter.com/KU8Sz0pM1L— MMA mania (@mmamania) August 18, 2022
Also in attendance at today’s (Thurs., Aug. 18, 2022) pre-fight press conference were top Bantamweights contenders, Jose Aldo and Merab Dvalishvili. A win for either man puts them firmly in front of the line as the potential next challenger for the winner of UFC 280’s title tilt between Aljamain Sterling and T.J. Dillashaw.
Aldo vs. Dvalishvili#UFC278
pic.twitter.com/c6TCcKE4FL— MMA mania (@mmamania) August 18, 2022
Also on the main card will be the return of the Czech Republic’s Lucie Pudilova, who faces China’s Wu Yanan in a 135 pound affair. Opening up the five-fight stretch will be Light Heavyweight action, seeing Tyson Pedro and Harry Hunsucker go toe-to-toe.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 278 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ABC/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 278: “Usman vs. Edwards 2” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.