Leon Edwards defeats Usman Kamaru as Welterweight King in UFC 278
Leon Edwards defeated Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman to win the UFC Welterweight championship. Within the octagon, at the Vivint Arena in Utah. Leon Edwards is in tears as he had to take something out of the bag, and he did it with the most amazing flair.
The Nigerian Nightmare was knocked out in the final minute and last round in the main event of UFC 278 as Leon Edwards successfully connects with his left high kick to propel Usman Kamaru to the next tournament. a KO by walk-off. What a finish.
Prior to the conclusion, which occurred at 4:04 in the fifth round, Usman had the advantage in points and was on track to defend his unchallenged title.
The 35-year-old entered the contest hoping to match Anderson Silva’s UFC winning streak record of 16 consecutive victories.
After the first round, he had been in complete control of the fight, but when he leaned to his right to block an Edwards left, he was hit flush in the head with a left head kick, throwing the more than 17,000 spectators at the Vivint arena into a frenzy.
UFC News posted the Official Scorecard of Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards on the microblogging platform for verification and accountability, you can also click here to check the match scorecard
#UFC278 Official Scorecard: Kamaru Usman vs Leon Edwards (@Leon_EdwardsMMA)
View All Official Scorecards: https://t.co/nFWG1acntz pic.twitter.com/9NsMFAwLIC
— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 21, 2022
Usman was less than a minute away from defending his sixth consecutive title when Edward delivered a powerful kick to the head that knocked him out instantly.
Usman posted on social media after the difficult defeat—the first of his UFC career—to promise to return with vengeance.
Champs f$ck up sometimes… but we bounce back and come with vengeance!! 👊🏿🌍🤴🏿 #NGHTMR
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) August 21, 2022
Despite the defeat, he reiterated his enthusiasm for the game and complimented his British opponent Leon Edwards.
Damn I love this sport!!! Things happen but… Alhamdulillah we move!! 👊🏿🌍🤴🏿 congratulations @Leon_edwardsmma
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) August 21, 2022
It has been a long path for Jamaican-born Edwards (20-3, 1 NC), who now calls Birmingham, England home, to reach the top of the UFC welterweight class after going undefeated for more than ten fights following a loss to Usman in 2015. “I can’t put it into words,” Edwards added.
