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
Lucie Pudilova def. Wu Yanan via second-round TKO (elbows, 4:04).
UFC 278 LIVE
Yanan vs Pudilova – Round 2
Pudilova’s coach John Kavanagh – who also coaches Conor McGregor – shouts for her to take the back, which she does!
She tries for a rear naked choke but can’t quite lock it in.
Yanan keeps moving, and Pudilova eventually ends up in mount, landing harsh elbows from above!
Yanan turns face down and covers up, and Dean steps in! It’s all over!
UFC 278 LIVE
Yanan vs Pudilova – Round 2
Yanan punches to the body then comes up for a left-right hook combination to the head, although Pudilova blocks well.
The women trade body kicks simultaneously, then Pudilova kicks low multiple times.
The women clinch, and Pudilova secures a trip into a headlock.
UFC 278 LIVE
Yanan vs Pudilova – Round 1
Pudilova is warned by referee Herb Dean for not working from side control. She throws an elbow in response, then a hammer fist.
Pudilova tries to set up an arm-triangle choke, but Yanan reads it well. Pudilova is able to move into mount, however, before taking the back as Yanan twists.
Yanan does well to stand, but Pudilova backs her up to the fence.
UFC 278 LIVE
Yanan vs Pudilova – Round 1
Pudilova at once grapples with Yanan and drives her back to the fence.
Yanan gets free and lands an elbow off the break. Now the Chinawoman throws a series of leg kicks.
Pudilova closes distance with a double-leg takedown, however, and secures it with ease!
Yanan goes to work on an armbar at once, but Pudilova slips free and gets into half-guard, then side control.
UFC 278 LIVE
Both women are now in the Octagon. Pudilova looks nervous; Yanan looks fired up.
UFC 278 LIVE
Lucie Pudilova is out first for her bantamweight clash with Wu Yanan.
UFC 278 LIVE
Tyson Pedro def. Harry Hunsucker via first-round TKO (body kick and ground strikes, 1:05).
UFC 278 LIVE
Pedro vs Hunsucker – Round 1
Pedro with the forward pressure early on. Hunsucker lunges in but gets tagged with a nice counter jab.
It seems to have hurt him, in fact... OH! And he goes down after a kick to the body!
Pedro quickly finishes the fight on the canvas, as Hunsucker covers up!
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