The world was stunned by Leon Edwards. Edwards’ “Rocky” story was brought to life by a head-kick knockout in Round 5 of UFC 278.
Edwards was the first to take down the almost perfect champion in Round 1. However, Edwards failed to gain any momentum in the subsequent rounds. As Usman neared Anderson Silva’s record for the most all-time titles, Usman took control of the fight using his superior wrestling skills and heavy boxing combinations.
Although Usman’s pace was slower in Round 5, it was likely that Usman would win unanimously. Edwards looked defeated and his team begged him not to give up in the final round.
Edwards suddenly threw a right jab at Usman and fired up a left kick that knocked him out cold at 4:14 of Round 5.
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“Pound-for-pound. Headshot. Edwards said that he was dead during his interview after the fight. “I felt like this was my moment. I said that all week. Everything that has happened in the past. The pandemic has been in the news for two years. Ring rust is not present. You heard me, now see me.”
With the victory over Usman, Edwards moved up to 20-3 (1 NC). His streak of undefeated was now at 11. Usman lost his first defeat in nine years, after his 19-fight winning streak snapped.
It was the fourth fight in a championship — only seconds behind Usman’s win over Colby Covington in 2019.
Usman was optimistic about his future. The former champion took to Twitter to promise to return with vengeance.
Insisted upon a three-fight series by UFC president Dana White during a press conference after the fight. White suggested Wembley as a location and expressed his desire for the rubber match to be held in England.
White stated, “I felt that Usman fought a perfect fight.” You think about everything that was at stake for Usman tonight. All night Usman fought with total and absolute confidence. Although it wasn’t the most popular style, Usman was landing big shots at the body and head. He could not have fought a better fight up to the very last minute.
Edwards believes that UFC fans have yet to see the best from him. Edwards stated that even his worst performance was still a victory over Usman’s best.
Edwards stated at the press conference, “That was one my worst performances out here.” “I didn’t feel well in there tonight. I went out and got the pound for pound.
“My body wasn’t reacting the way it was supposed to. It wasn’t the altitude, but I don’t know what it was. Backstage, however, I could see other fighters gassing out and getting tired. Luke [Rockhold] was like everyone else. I wondered why everyone was tired. It was evident after the first round. My body didn’t respond. My body was not reacting physically, so it wasn’t cardio related.
He had the best I could offer. He was the worst of my offerings, but I still beat him out.”
Edwards expressed interest in fighting Masvidal in Britain if “GameBred”, his winning ways, is restored.
Plus, Paulo Costa fought Rockhold for 15 minutes before Costa was declared winner. Rockhold gave everything in the cage and even smeared his blood on Costa’s face in the last moments of the fight. With a convincing win over Jose Aldo in bantamweight, Merab Dvalishvili climbed to the top of the list. But don’t be surprised to see him face his teammate and current titleholder Aljamain sterling. The native of Georgia stopped any talk of Sterling immediately after the fight.
CBS Sports was there for you throughout Saturday’s UFC 278. Below are the highlights and results.
UFC 278 Card and Results
- Leon Edwards (c), def. Kamaru Usman via fifth round knockout (head kick).
- 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 second round TKO (elbows).
- Tyson Pedro def. Harry Hunsucker via the first round TKO (punches).
- Marcin Tybura def. Alexander Romanov via majority vote (29-28., 28.29., 28.28.
- Jared Gordon def. Leonardo Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Sean Woodson vs. Luis Saldana was ruled a 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 first round submission (rear naked choke)
- Aori Qileng def. Jay Perrin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Victor Altamirano def. Daniel Da Silva via first round TKO (punches).
