Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.
Kamaru Usman makes his sixth defense of the welterweight championship this Saturday, headlining UFC 278 in the main event against Leon Edwards.
This is a rematch from December of 2015, which ended in a unanimous decision for Usman (20-1). Edwards has not lost since, ripping off nine in a row since that defeat. He has youth on his side, entering the fight at 30 years old, a sharp contrast to the 35-year-old Usman.