“Doesn’t follow me on social media” – Kamaru Usman reveals he holds no grudge against Leon Edwards despite a little animosity from him
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Kamaru Usman defeated by Leon Edwards at UFC 278
UFC 278 produced one of the greatest upsets in UFC history. Leon Edwards knocked out Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman flush with a clean head kick, 58 seconds from the final bell of the 5th round. The oddsmakers had the bout in favor of the Nigerian, quite openly stating that Usman was a comfortable favorite going into the bout in Salt Lake City.
The card was great – the first upset of the night came through the decisive victory of Merab Dvalishvili over Jose Aldo. Most people had the Brazilian legend as their pick, which turned out to be evidently wrong.
Later, Luke Rockhold defied the odds and struck heavy blows against Paulo Costa, albeit losing to him. Most surprising, however, was Usman’s 15-fight win streak coming to a swift end in the 5th round, at the hands of only the 2nd Briton ever to hold a UFC championship title, apart from Michael Bisping.
“I’m happy for him, he’s got a similar story to mine” Kamaru Usman respectfully gives a nod to new Welterweight champion Leon Edwards
In an interview with TMZ, Usman respectfully showed his appreciation for Edwards’s journey – most significantly the layover and multiple fight cancellations. Usman spoke of the brilliant timing and technique of the head kick landed on him in the 5th round.
However, although he gave “Rocky” the respect he deserves, Kamaru also staked his own claim on dominating the Briton for the majority of the 5 rounds, before the devastating blow struck. Echoing Dana White’s words, who said that “The Nigerian Nightmare” fought the perfect fight up until the last minute, where he might have gone into cruise control.
Adding a playful jibe, Usman added how he likes and respects Leon, and “I follow him (on Instagram), he doesn’t follow me.” The mood of the interview was fairly light and calm, as Usman showed great class and the heart of a champion, to be able to take a loss and set his sights on the next goal.
Dana White, in the post-fight presser, confessed to being nervous and excited at the same time about holding the trilogy bout in England, and specifically at Wembley. Seems like Usman desires the same, saying that “I want to go to England…the story couldn’t write itself any better”.
Also Read- WATCH: Daniel Cormier makes an HONEST confession to Leon Edwards after the historic win at UFC 278
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