Edwards defeats Usman, becomes new UFC welterweight champion
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Leon Edwards knocks Kamaru Usman to the ground in Round 5 and becomes the UFC welterweight champion.
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Edwards surprised everyone else with a last-minute head kick finish that knocked Usman to the ground
With a shocking head-kick knockout against Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards became Saturday the new UFC welterweight champion.
During the UFC 278 main event, Usman dominated the ring thanks to his superior wrestling and heavy boxing combinations and seemed very close to defending his title, as Edwards struggled to perform any effective movements.
In Round 5, things were likely heading towards a unanimous decision win for Usman who slowed his pace, as Edwards seemed exhausted in his corner.
However, Edwards, 30, surprised everyone else with a last-minute head kick finish that knocked Usman to the ground at 4:04 of Round 5.
HOLY S**T!!!! @LEON_EDWARDSMMA IS THE WW CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!! #UFC278 pic.twitter.com/Ms9rwG1Ota
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2022
"Pound-for-pound. Headshot. Dead," Edwards told UFC commentator Joe Rogan during his post-match interview.
"I said all week I felt like this is my moment. Everything that happened in the past. The last two years, the pandemic. There is no ring rust. I told you, now look at me now," expressed the new UFC welterweight champion.
JOE ROGAN WAS ALL OF US 😱🤯😳 pic.twitter.com/8ZVIFt8Ir6
— #UFC278 on BT Sport (@btsportufc) August 21, 2022
With this win, Edwards improved his undefeated streak to 11, while Usman's 19-match streak that saw him undefeated in nine years was concluded.
Despite his loss, Usman, 35, remained positive about his career and coming achievements, promising on Twitter to return with a vengeance.
Champs f$ck up sometimes… but we bounce back and come with vengeance!! 👊🏿🌍🤴🏿 #NGHTMR
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) August 21, 2022
On his part, UFC President Dana White insisted on a rematch between the two fighters that would take place in the Wembley Arena in England.
"I thought that Usman fought the perfect fight," White said during a post-match press conference, adding that, "You think of everything that was on the line for Usman tonight."
White considered that "Usman fought with absolute and total confidence all night. It might not be the most fan-friendly style but he was landing big shots to the body, big shots to the head and elbows. He couldn't have fought a more perfect fight until the last minute."
