New Delhi: Leon Edwards shocks everyone with a last-minute knockout against Kumaro Usman to claim the world title in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 278 Main Event. His head-kick knockout late in Round 5 helped him claim the victory in a match where he looked completely lost.
ROCKY’S NOT JUST A NAME. ROCKY’S A DAMN MOVIE. #UFC278 pic.twitter.com/zJly9Kpuxj
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 21, 2022
Kumaro Usman showed some superior wrestling and heavy boxing combinations as the match was heading to a unanimous decision. However, he slowed down a bit in round 5, but it was still unlikely that he would be beaten. Edwards had other plans that night as he flicked out a right jab and hit a left head kick that knocked Usman out.
This was a great comeback from Edwards as after becoming the first person to score a takedown in Round 1, he struggled to build momentum in the following rounds. But one needs a good strike to know the opponent down and so did Edwards in the match. It was his ‘Rocky’ story that came to life in the arena. The stoppage came at 4:04 of Round 5 and a new champion was crowned.
“I’ve been doubted my whole life, now look at me now. Look at me now!”
???? @Leon_EdwardsMMA just capped off one of the spectacular victories of ALL TIME inside the Octagon! #UFC278 pic.twitter.com/rGUdTqE4JB
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 21, 2022
Talking about the bout in the post-match interview, Edwards said, “Pound-for-pound. Headshot. Dead. 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.”
“I told you, Mum.”
What a moment for the new welterweight champion of the world, @Leon_EdwardsMMA. ? #UFC278 pic.twitter.com/j7A66ykKqF
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 21, 2022
Edwards took his undefeated streak to 11 while Usman’s 19-fight winning streak broke in a moment. This was his first loss in nine years.
