UFC 278
UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on August 20, 2022, at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
Background
The event marked the promotion's second visit to Salt Lake City, following UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Caceres in August 2016.A UFC Welterweight Championship bout between current champion Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards headlined the event. The pairing previously met at UFC on Fox: dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2 in December 2015 where Usman defeated Edwards by unanimous decision.
A middleweight bout between former Strikeforce and UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold and former title challenger Paulo Costa was expected to take place at UFC 277. However, the bout was postponed to this event for unknown reasons.
A flyweight bout between Victor Altamirano and Jake Hadley was scheduled for this event. However, after Hadley pulled out of the bout due to injury he was replaced by Daniel Lacerda.
A women's flyweight bout between Miranda Maverick and Shanna Young was scheduled for the event. However, the bout was cancelled on the day of the weigh-ins as Young was hospitalized due to weight cut issues. They were rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 214.
Bonus awards
The following fighters received $50,000 bonuses.Fight of the Night: Paulo Costa vs. Luke RockholdPerformance of the Night: Leon Edwards and Victor AltamiranoThe following fighters received Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" awards paid in bitcoin of US$30,000 for first place, US$20,000 for second place, and US$10,000 for third place.First Place: Paulo CostaSecond Place: Kamaru UsmanThird Place: José Aldo