Read about the incredible upset as Leon Edwards knocks out Kamaru Usman to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion. Get all the details and fight results from UFC 278.
Leon Edwards Shocks the World
In a stunning turn of events at UFC 278, Leon Edwards (20-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) shocked the world by knocking out the reigning welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (20-2 MMA, 15-1 UFC) with a spectacular head kick in the main event. The fight, held at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, ended with Edwards landing a hail Mary head kick at 4:04 of Round 5, leaving Usman unconscious.
The Fight Recap
Throughout the match, Usman displayed dominance with his cardio, grappling, and control, frustrating Edwards at times. However, in a surprising turn of events, Edwards found an opening and capitalized on it with the decisive head kick that secured his victory.
Edwards’ Journey to Victory
The fight started with Edwards making history by being the first fighter to take down Usman in Round 1. Despite Usman’s strong performance in Rounds 2, 3, and 4, Edwards never lost hope. In a dramatic twist, Edwards delivered the knockout blow in Round 5, claiming the UFC welterweight title.
Post-Fight Celebration
After the fight, Edwards expressed his emotions, stating, "You all doubted me that I couldn’t do it. Look at me now. Look at it: pound-for-pound, headshot, dead. That’s it." His victory marked the end of Usman’s impressive title reign, which included wins over top fighters like Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns.
Edwards’ Undefeated Streak
Since December 2015, Edwards has maintained an undefeated record, with notable wins over fighters like Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Anjos, and Donald Cerrone. His journey to the top culminated in the victory over Usman, avenging his loss from their previous encounter.
UFC 278 Results
- Leon Edwards def. Kamaru Usman via knockout (head kick) – Round 5, 4:04
- Paulo Costa def. Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Merab Dvalishvili def. Jose Aldo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Lucie Pudilova def. Wu Yanan via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:04
- Tyson Pedro def. Harry Hunsucker via TKO (front kick, punches) – Round 1, 1:05
- Marcin Tybura def. Alexandr Romanov via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
- Jared Gordon def. Leonardo Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Luis Saldana vs. Sean Woodson declared split draw (29-27, 27-29, 28-28)
- Ange Loosa def. A.J. Fletcher via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Amir Albazi def. Francisco Figueiredo via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:34
- Aori Qileng def. Jay Perrin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Victor Altamirano def. Daniel Da Silva via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:39
For more details on UFC 278, you can visit the event hub on MMA Junkie’s website.