Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3: Who won the first two fights?

Usman will be stepping into the lion's den for this contest with the fight being staged at London's O2 Arena and in front of a pro-Edwards crowd. 

Both fighters have one win apiece when it comes to going head-to-head and whoever emerges victorious this weekend will bring closure to the rivalry. 

DAZN takes a look at the previous two encounters between Edwards and Usman ahead of what should be a thrilling main event on Saturday. 

December 19, 2015: Usman vs. Edwards 1

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The first encounter between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards took place in 2015 on the prelims of Dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2 in Florida.

It was a fight which Usman won via unanimous decision and it was no surprise that the Nigerian was triumphant following his performance inside the Octagon. 

Usman's striking was clearly better than this opponent's, landing 48 significant strikes while Edwards could only manage 26, but it was not just Usman's striking that troubled Edwards. 

The Nigerian also dominated on the mat where he converted six of his 13 takedown attempts. This allowed Usman to amass 10 minutes and 50 seconds of control time on the ground compared to Edwards' 40 seconds. 

In the build-up to their rematch seven years later, many were expecting a similar strategy from Usman if he was to successfully retain his UFC welterweight title. 

August 20, 2022: Usman vs. Edwards 2

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Following a one-sided performance in their first encounter, many were expecting Kamaru Usman to produce something similar when he faced Leon Edwards for a second time, but this time Usman's UFC welterweight title was at stake. 

However, Edwards had different ideas and in the opening round became the first UFC fighter to take down Usman. 

This seemed like a blip for the 'Nigerian Nightmare' who went on to to dominate the next three rounds with his superior takedown game and this continued in round five. 

With the chance of victory quickly slipping away from Edwards, he had to produce something spectacular to snatch the title and the British MMA star did exactly that. 

A feint with his right hand lured in Usman who then found himself on the wrong end of a brutal left head kick from Edwards which knocked out the defending champion cold in the dying seconds of the final round. 

This was a finish which shocked the MMA world and now the stage is set for the pair to meet inside the Octagon for a third time and compete for UFC gold once more.