Watch: Leon Edwards knocks Kamaru Usman out with ‘THE GREATEST HEADKICK’ in the history of Sports Entertainment

Here’s how Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman went down! In what started as a no-weight class and limited rules contest, the UFC has now evolved into one of the most organized contests in the world. With the inclusion of rules and weight classes, not only has the promotion become safer, but it has also given rise to an exciting competition. While every weight class in the UFC provides a thrill, the welterweight division led by Kamaru Usman never fails to disappoint.

Similarly, at UFC 278, the welterweight elite were in action. The 170-pound champion Kamaru Usman took on number one contender Leon Edwards in a rematch. Going into the fight, Usman was making his first title defense of 2022. The Nigerian Nightmare had a great 2021 as he marked three consecutive wins over Gilbert Burns, Jorge Masvidal, and Colby Covington.

While Usman had a successful run last year, Edwards was not far behind. In 2021, the British fighter scored an amazing victory over Nate Diaz. Both Usman and Edwards went into this fight with long undefeated streaks. Usman was on a 15-fight win streak whereas Edwards boasted a 10-fight win streak.

However, things did not go as per plan for Usman. While The Nigerian Nightmare had success in the fight, fans were met with the unthinkable as Leon Edwards pulled out an upset.

Related: Kamaru Usman’s diet: What does the Nigerian Nightmare eat to stay in fight shape?

Leon Edwards beat Kamaru Usman to become UFC welterweight champion

Round 1: The round started with Usman gaining the center of the octagon. However, Edwards did not stay quiet as he landed some kicks. The Nigerian Nightmare followed with a takedown attempt. While he somehow managed to get Edwards down, Rocky worked his way up. The surprising moment came when Edwards took Usman down using an outside trip. Not only did ‘Rocky’ take him down, but he also took Usmam’s back and attempted a rear naked choke.

Round 2: Trying to forget what happened in round 1, Usman was quick to gain control of the center. The Nigerian Nightmare found success as he put pressure on Edwards and managed to land his combinations. However, there was a halt to the action as Usman suffered an eye poke from Leon. Further in the round, both fighters had exchanges while Usman got a takedown towards the end of the round.

Also Read: “My MOST EMOTIONAL fight,” Usman reminisces the battle that CHALLENGED him mentally at its peak

Round 3: In this round, Edwards managed to land a few leg kicks. However, Usman managed to grab a takedown. While ‘Rocky’ worked his way up, The Nigerian Nightmare controlled him on the fence. The champion followed up with a combination and managed to get in another takedown, this time attempting to take the back of Edwards. While Usman couldn’t get his back, he ended the round by throwing some punches.

Round 4: Initially in this round, Edwards showed some improvement. The British fighter attempted to take the back of Kamaru Usman. However, he was unsuccessful in doing so. The Nigerian Nightmare managed to free himself and later took Edwards down. While ‘Rocky’ worked his way up, he couldn’t do anything significant. Usman ended the round landing heavily on the challenger.

Round 5: The final round of the fight saw action from Usman initially. The 170-pound champion landed combinations, attempted a takedown, and controlled Edwards on the fence. However, since there was no action on the fence, the fighters were separated. While it felt as if Usman was on course to winning the fight, Edwards shocked the world by landing a head kick which knocked Usman out.

Result: Leon Edwards beat Kamaru Usman via knockout

Also Read: “I’m not over it” – Kamaru Usman wants to beat up Leon Edwards for THIS reason at UFC 278

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