UFC 278 -- Expert picks and best bets for Usman vs. Edwards 2

Kamaru Usman defends his welterweight title in the main event of UFC 278 against Leon Edwards in Vivint Arena on Saturday (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. and early prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 6 p.m.).

Edwards, No. 4 in ESPN's divisional rankings, is unbeaten in his last ten fights and will be looking to carry that momentum into this bout. His last appearance in the Octagon ended in a unanimous decision over Nate Diaz in 2021.

Usman is undefeated in the UFC since making his debut in 2015. He will be going for his sixth-straight title defense. This is a rematch of a fight between the two earlier in their careers, but both fighters have evolved greatly as fighters since then.

Brett Okamoto spoke to Syndicate MMA coach John Wood to get his perspective on the matchup in the main event. ESPN's betting experts Ian Parker and Reed Kuhn add their insights and analysis for everything from the main event to some intriguing bets they like lower down the card.

Editor's note: Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

How Usman wins: Usman has shown that there are always multiple ways to win. He has power in his hands, his striking is improving and the threat of his wrestling really opens up striking opportunities for him. For Usman, I believe wrestling Edwards — using his ground and pound and submissions — is the most likely way he wins. But with the way he grinds on you and his pressure, the threat of a knockout is there. His boxing has improved under coach Trevor Wittman, and the guy has a gas tank.

How Edwards wins: It's very simple: Edwards has to stop the takedowns. And with that, he also has to be aware of Usman's striking power. Sprawl and brawl, basically. Defend those takedowns and