Jamaican-born British UFC Welterweight World Champion Leon Edwards has been reflecting on his upbringing and the positive effects of mixed martial arts on his life.

Edwards, who was a guest on CNN World sports, is due to defend his title against Kamaru Usman on March 18 at the O2 Arena in London.

The pair first met in 2015 where Edwards lost to the Nigerian before returning the favour at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City in August to take the title.

The 31 year old, while reflecting on his upbringing, revealed that taking up mixed martial arts had changed his life.

Leon Edwards