PARIS – Georges St-Pierre says confidence will be the determining factor in whether Kamaru Usman can regain the UFC welterweight title in his trilogy fight with Leon Edwards. Usman (20-2 MMA, 15-1 UFC) had his title reign brought to a shocking and abrupt end nearly two weeks ago when he was knocked out by Edwards (19-3 MMA, 12-1 UFC) in the fifth round of the UFC 278 headliner. “The Nigerian Nightmare” was 54 seconds away from winning a unanimous decision on the scorecards for a record-tying 16th consecutive octagon victory, but was caught by a devastating head kick that brought it all crashing down. It was a brilliant moment from Edwards, and one that’s raised questions about how Usman will rebound from being knocked out for the first time, and in such brutal fashion. Former longtime divisional champion and UFC Hall of Famer St-Pierre agrees with that sentiment, and said Usman’s ability to get the title back will hinge on the mental side of his game. “Kamaru was winning the fight, but he made a crucial mistake that is unforgettable at this level,” St-Pierre told fans and media during a Q&A on Friday in Paris
Read more here:
Georges St-Pierre: Kamaru Usman facing ‘a hell of a challenge’ to rebound from KO loss – MMA Junkie