Leon Edwards says he will “humble” welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in their rematch at UFC 278 because “the fame has gone to his head”.
The 30-year-old Briton meets Usman for the title in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, seven years after being beaten by the Nigerian.
Since that bout, Usman, 35, has become champion and is ranked as the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.
“I can see straight through him,” said Edwards, who is unbeaten since 2015.
“He’s being himself and has done great things, but I do feel he’s losing himself a little bit.
“It’s not personal for me, I believe I’m number one but it’s (fame) clearly getting to his head. I’m going to humble you Saturday night.”