WATCH: Kamaru Usman’s positive spirit on full display moments after suffering a devastating KO by Leon Edwards
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Kamaru has stated that he will need to be near flawless in the rematch
Kamaru Usman suffered one of the most heart breaking losses against Leon Edwards at UFC 278. Usman had put up a performance for the ages up till that fateful knockout. However, Usman has been nothing but a good sport in the way he took that loss and is allowing all the shine to be on Leon.
Edwards was no joke in Usman’s mind as he realized that he’d be the most versatile fighter he’d face in his title run. Edwards was a polished striker who had been working on his grappling and take-down defense relentlessly since he first faced Usman in 2015.
The fight’s opening round gave Usman a glimpse of the threat as he was taken down for the first time in his UFC career and almost got locked in a rear naked choke. If that was supposed to be a wake-up call, Usman was already at DEFCON 1. Since that round, Usman looked near perfect in neutralizing Leon.
Until the end of the fourth, Edwards had a look of pure defeat on his face, something his coaches caught onto and delivered a corner advice sequence that would make a paraplegic walk. In stark contrast, Usman’s corner was more relaxed and knowing they had this in the bag were more than happy to let their pupil continue with his game plan.
Kamaru Usman applauds Leon Edwards on his “perfect shot”
By now we all know how that 5th round ended but newly released footage from The Anatomy of a Fighter reveals what it was like being in Usman’s corner after that KO. “It was almost like a flawless victory, I didn’t see (that coming) did he really land? ” asked Usman as he reacted to the verdict of the fight.
Usman would give Leon props saying, “Leon’s a tough dude, the reason being, even when I break his will, I break his spirit and the next round he just replaces, he doesn’t stay where he was”
Usman also gave credit to Leon’s will to keep getting back up after every takedown comparing him to an earlier opponent of his, Emil Meek who would also be relentless in fighting back. “The only way I can beat those guys is outclass them, and I did that but sometimes, something crazy happens”, said Usman of the eventual KO blow.
“Good job Rocky, good job Rocky, See you soon”, said Usman as he ended the message. Dana has already expressed interest in having their rematch made at a UFC event in London.
What do you think will be Usman’s career path now? Let us know below!
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Jerin Mathew
(713 Articles Published)