Former welterweight title challenger feels Kamaru Usman should have digested the Leon Edwards head-kick knockout better

Former UFC welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns recently criticized Kamaru Usman's reaction to Leon Edwards' head-kick knockout at UFC 278. Burns believes that Usman should have shown more respect towards Edwards' fighting skills.

According to Burns, Usman's decision to immediately schedule a rematch with 'Rocky' was premature and showed a lack of consideration for Edwards' recent victory. Burns also pointed out that 'The Nigerian Nightmare' didn't perform at his best during the fight, and showed signs of fatigue that Edwards was able to capitalize on.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie's reporter Danny Segura, 'Durinho' claimed:

"Leon has a great game plan, I think Leon fought a great fight. And Kamaru, I don't think he was at his best, he should have taken a little bit more time digest that that knockout better but hats off to the both guys."

Check out the entire conversation below (from 7:07 onwards):

As a fellow welterweight fighter, Burns understands the importance of taking the time to recover and reassess before taking on a rematch. He believes that Kamaru Usman should have taken a more patient approach, both in terms of his own physical recovery and in showing respect towards Edwards.

Leon Edwards pulled off an impressive feat by defeating Kamaru Usman for the second time in three head-to-head matchups, despite facing a significant points deduction during the fight. The UFC 286 main event saw the British native retain the welterweight title after securing a majority decision victory over Usman, with scores of 48-46, 48-46, and 47-47. The event took place at The O2 in London.

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Jorge Masvidal believes Kamaru Usman hurried the rematch with Leon Edwards

Jorge Masvidal will make his octagon comeback against Gilbert Burns at UFC 287.The No.11-ranked welterweight recently offered his opinion on former opponent Kamaru Usman's performance at UFC 286.

During a recent visit to The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Podcast episode #137, Masvidal stated:

"Usman, maybe there were times I didn’t see him stepping on the gas like he usually does, and it might have been because he just took this fight too early. I always think when a fighter gets knocked out - I got this from the old timers in boxing - you really need to let your brain and your confidence heal and come back."

He further added:

"Because then you get back in there and you get touched and you're like, 'Whoa, I might get knocked out,' and you pull the brakes and you start maybe second-guessing yourself. So I think maybe he took it a little bit too early. I do think he's in a way a better fighter than Leon in a lot of aspects, but Leon just has his number it seems right now."

Check out the entire conversation below (from 0:40 mins onward):