UFC on ESPN 41 was an absolute hit over the weekend, leaving MMA fans across the globe entertained beyond belief. However, there isn't much time to rest as UFC 278 is slated to invade Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Even though there are many fights to look forward to this weekend, most fans have their eyes set on the second clash between UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman and his challenger, Leon Edwards.
The two welterweights previously met nearly seven years ago at UFC on Fox 17. It was quite the hard-fought battle, resulting in a unanimous decision victory for Usman. That was on the early preliminary card, though, and now it's time for the duo to main event a pay-per-view together.
Nevertheless, there's always a lot to take in whenever a UFC PPV is coming up. Fortunately, the latest FanDuel Sportsbook odds help paint a picture of how the night may unfold.
UFC 278 Event Details
UFC 278 will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022.
UFC 278 will take place at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- UFC 278 Early Prelims Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
- UFC 278 Prelims Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Start Time of UFC 278's Main Card: 10 p.m. ET
The early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass, while the prelims will be available on both ESPN and ESPN+, and the main card will be available via pay-per-view (which can be ordered through the ESPN+ app).
UFC 278 Main Card and Odds (Odds as of Monday, Aug. 15)
Usman (20-1) is one of the most dominant forces that MMA has ever seen. Winning 19 consecutive fights ahead of UFC 278, it isn't tough to see why the champion is the heavy favorite to retain his title over Edwards (19-3, 1NC).
Since winning the welterweight championship at UFC 235, Usman has gone on to have five successful defenses, knocking out the likes of Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal along the way. He was named 'Performer of the Night' twice over that stretch, further proving his dominance.
On the other hand, since losing to Usman, Edwards has won nine of his last 10 bouts. The other fight in that stretch ended in a no-contest when he accidentally poked Belal Muhammad's eye. Nevertheless, that stretch proves that he's turned things around.