UFC 278 LIVE results: Leon Edwards knocks out Kamaru Usman with head kick in final minute
Re-live updates as Edwards became Britain’s second ever UFC champion with a stunning, late knockout
Leon Edwards won the UFC welterweight title in the most stunning fashion on Saturday night, knocking Kamaru Usman out cold with one minute left in the main event of UFC 278. Edwards was down on all three judges’ scorecards and looked to have nothing left, but he put the champion away with a perfect head kick to become Britain’s second ever UFC champion. In doing so, Edwards dethroned the UFC’s consensus pound-for-pound king and avenged a decision loss to the Nigerian-American from 2015.
After a bright start for Jamaican-born Edwards, with the 30-year-old taking down Usman in the first round, the champion looked to be on course for yet another victory. No UFC fighter had ever scored an official takedown of the “Nigerian Nightmare” before, but Edwards could not build on that early moment – which was shocking enough and nearly resulted in a submission – as Usman employed his grappling prowess to build a lead over the next three rounds.
But with a minute left in the final frame, with Edwards down three rounds to one, the Briton feinted a one-two with his hands, leading Usman to dip his head to the right. It was there that his skull met the shin of Edwards, putting Usman out cold. “I’m champion of the world, champion of the world, look at me now,” Edwards said tearfully. “I was born in Jamaica with nothing. I lived in a wooden shack with a zinc roof. I told you, mum, I’d change our lives.” Re-live the UFC 278 main event, main card and prelims, below:
UFC 278 LIVE
I cannot believe what I’ve just seen. I cannot believe it. That is one of the most spectacular title wins in UFC history. Edwards is the second ever UFC champion from Britain.
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman vs Edwards – Round 5
Dean separates the pair due to a lack of action.
Edwards kicks to the body, and Usman complains it’s low. The action is briefly stopped, although the kick looked fine... Not the first time Usman’s pulled that trick in his career.
We resume. OH, MY GOODNESS! EDWARDS JUST KNOCKED OUT USMAN COLD WITH A HEAD KICK, WITH A MINUTE LEFT!
HE WAS DOWN ON THE SCORECARDS AND JUST WON THE UFC WELTERWEIGHT TITLE OUT OF NOWHERE!
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman vs Edwards – Round 5
Edwards’ corner gives him some tough love. One round to get a finish.
Usman backs up Edwards and nearly takes him down again. Good defence from Edwards, though.
The crowd boos as Usman stamps on Edwards’ feet and is warned by referee Herb Dean for a lack of activity.
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman vs Edwards – Round 4
Edwards stands yet again. He’s fighting Usman’s hands. The crowd is restless. Usman takes down Edwards again.
Edwards gets up but is warned over an illegal fence grab, and the position is reset. Edwards gets back up anyway!
But Usman is pouring on punches as the round ends! The buzzer sounds, and Usman defiantly stares down a tired Edwards.
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman vs Edwards – Round 4
Edwards comes forward. He misses with a hook and eats one from Usman. Now Edwards kicks low, then to the body.
Usman begins to back up Edwards, who slips a clinch attempt and takes Usman’s back! He drives the champion to the fence.
Edwards and Usman are right in front of the Briton’s corner. Edwards lets Usman go, and the champion immediately secures a takedown! Why did Edwards let him go?
Usman is burrowing punches into Edwards’ ribs.
UFC 278 LIVE
Edwards’ corner urges him to “get f***ing lively”. He’s likely a round down.
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman vs Edwards – Round 3
Usman moves round in front of Edwards. He’s trying to take the neck with a front headlock here... the guillotine isn’t quite available, though.
Edwards stands just before the buzzer, but that’s a dominant round for Usman.
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman vs Edwards – Round 3
One-two by Edwards, but Usman replies with heavy punches, backing up the Briton.
Usman gets another takedown – they’re getting easier – and takes the back...
He’s not doing much work, and the crowd boos.
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman vs Edwards – Round 3
Usman takes the centre of the ring again. Little thrown by either man, however. Edwards now jabs to the body.
Usman opts for a double-leg takedown against the fence. Edwards tries for a guillotine choke, to no avail, but he stands quickly!
Usman with lots of knees to the thighs of Edwards now. Good grappling defence by Edwards, though, to get free once more.
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman vs Edwards – Round 2
The fight resumes, and Usman gets back on the front foot. Stern jab by Usman. Each man then targets the body of his opponent.
A clean right hand lands for Usman, but a left staggers him! Usman opts to grapple again, against the fence. The crowd boos.
Edwards shoots for a takedown, but Usman sprawls well to defend it. Edwards stands.
Usman with elbows against Edwards, who has his back to the fence. Edwards blocks them, then lands one of his own.
Big hook to the body by Usman, though, and he then takes down Edwards.
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