Kamaru Usman's hand injury rumors "scared" Leon Edwards

Leon Edwards will defend his title against Kamaru Usman in the main-event at UFC 286 on March 18. While the fight was recently confirmed, Usman's hand injury has led to several doubts about the matchup in the past.

Many believed 'The Nigerian Nightmare' would miss out on an immediate rematch and Jorge Masvidal would get the title shot based on his feud with Edwards. However, 'Rocky' recently clarified that Usman has throughout been the only opponent in consideration.

Interestingly though, Edwards himself was somewhat concerned in the beginning and even called up the UFC brass regarding Usman's injury. The UFC welterweight champ said in an interview with Sky Sports:

"It's always been Kamaru. Some of these rumors popping around on social media saying, 'So, now he's had an injury'. So I phoned the UFC straight away, like, 'What's going on?' Now that I've spoken to him and his team, he's fine, he's back training and he'll be there in March. At the start I was a bit scared, I was like, 'hand injury'! But after that, yeah, it's been good."

Catch Edwards' comments below:

Usman's manager Ali Abdelaziz previously expressed confidence in the booking, dismissing all rumors. Shortly afterwards, Dana White confirmed Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 during the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight presser.

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Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 1 & 2

Kamaru Usman faced Leon Edwards for the first time in his sophomore UFC outing in 2015 when 'Rocky' was 2-1 in the promotion. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' went on to dominantly outgrapple Edwards, cruising to a unanimous decision win.

That was the last time Edwards lost a fight. The Birmingham native went on to mount an eleven-fight unbeaten streak, including a no-contest against Belal Muhammad. Meanwhile, Usman went on to become the welterweight champ, wiping the division clean with the exception of his old foe.

Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 2 took place at UFC 278 with the champ going in as a heavy favorite. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' seemingly justified the odds as he thoroughly outclassed Edwards in what appeared to be a replay of the first fight.

Usman had to just beat the clock with thirty seconds left in it when 'Rocky' knocked him senseless with a head kick that shocked the world of MMA. The Birmingham native is now looking to defend his throne in front of his home fans in London on March 18.