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
Usman, 35, is seen by many as the pound-for-pound king of the UFC. He has retained the welterweight title twice against Covington, twice against Jorge Masvidal, and once against Gilbert Burns.
Now he is set for another rematch, against 30-year-old Edwards.
UFC 278 LIVE
Nigerian-American Usman last fought in November, outpointing rival Colby Covington to retain the title against him for a second time.
Briton Edwards, meanwhile, last competed in June 2021, surviving a late scare against icon Nate Diaz to win via decision.
UFC 278 LIVE
Usman (20-1) is on a 19-fight win streak, while Edwards (19-3, 1 No Contest) has won nine in a row since losing to Usman.
UFC 278 LIVE
What a fight. Well, it’s now time for the main event!
Leon Edwards looks to avenge a 2015 decision loss to Kamaru Usman, challenging his old foe for the welterweight title.
UFC 278 LIVE
A tearful Rockhold: “I’ve been through so much the last few years. Thank you, fighting, thank you, UFC.
“I can’t do this s*** anymore. I’m just... I’m f***ing old.”
Rockhold doesn’t explicitly retire, but he’s certainly emotional.
UFC 278 LIVE
In those final seconds, Rockhold was rubbing his bloody face on Costa’s. Wild.
Paulo Costa def. Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
UFC 278 LIVE
Rockhold vs Costa – Round 3
There’s constant noise coming from the crowd.
Rockhold twists and is now on top, in full guard!
He’ll end the round – and fight – there, but he’ll surely lose this on points.
UFC 278 LIVE
Rockhold vs Costa – Round 3
Costa looks at the referee, and Rockhold uses the moment to shoot for a double-leg takedown. But he shoots from miles away, and Costa sprawls well.
Costa moves into side control after a scramble. They’re talking to each other.
Costa takes the back! He’s landing punches to the face of Rockhold, who is breathing very heavily with his mouth open.
Rockhold is still talking to Costa, though!
UFC 278 LIVE
Rockhold vs Costa – Round 3
Costa backs up Rockhold at once. Rockhold fires back, and Costa stumbles back to the canvas!
Rockhold is overeager in trying to get on top and secure a submission, and he loses the position...
Costa hurts Rockhold with a right hand! Rockhold fires back again, though! He’s still so exhausted.
Rockhold eats a stern jab but staggers Costa with a big overhand!
UFC 278 LIVE
Rockhold vs Costa – Round 2
And we’re back under way after about a minute or so. More kicks from Rockhold.
It’s worth noting that Rockhold has a strap on his left leg, where he’s dealt with a staph infection recently.
A spinning back kick lands for Rockhold. Costa hammers a kick across Rockhold’s shins. Now he kicks to the body.
After the round ends, Rockhold’s corner wisely warns him against the flashy, energy-draining offence.
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