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
Leon Edwards has the chance to become the second British champion in UFC history tonight, when he challenges Kamaru Usman for welterweight gold in Salt Lake City.
Seven years ago, Usman outpointed Edwards as part of what has become a 19-fight win streak for the Nigerian-American, who is considered by many to be the UFC’s pound-for-pound king. Edwards has not lost since, however, winning nine bouts in a row and having to wait patiently for his first title shot. The Jamaican-born Briton will look to avenge his loss to Usman and leave Utah as champion this evening, with the welterweight title fight topping what should be an entertaining card.
In the co-main event, former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold returns to the Octagon after three years away. The American, who has suffered three knockout losses in his last four fights, takes on former title challenger Paulo Costa – who himself offers a significant KO threat. Prior to that bout, ex-featherweight champion Jose Aldo continues to chase another shot at the bantamweight belt. The Brazilian icon takes on Merab Dvalishvili in what could be an intriguing contest at 135lbs.
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