Kamaru Usman lost in the UFC 278 main event after being shockingly knocked out by Leon Edwards in the fifth round for the first time since 2013.
With less than a minute left in the fight, Edwards unleashed a head kick that blasted Usman and sent him tumbling to the ground, resulting in the shocking outcome. Usman was knocked out as soon as he hit the ground, and Edwards celebrated his historic victory by winning the UFC welterweight championship.
Also Read: UFC 278 Results & Highlights: Leon Edwards knocks out Kamaru Usman last-minute
Kamaru Usman on Defeat
Kamaru Usman made his first social media post after the fight, having been taken to the hospital for observation following the brutal knockout that ended his reign as champion.
“Champs f*** up sometimes,” Usman wrote. “But we bounce back and come with vengeance!!”
The outcome was heartbreaking, which is understandable given that Usman was ahead on the scorecards as the fight entered its fifth and final round.
After a rocky beginning in which Edwards took his back in the first round. Usman took control with a suffocating attack, landing multiple takedowns and never allowing his British opponent to catch his breath.
When Edwards appeared to be losing steam, he unleashed the head kick that became famous, causing Usman to lose for just the second time in his entire career.
Usman went back to Twitter after making his initial comment to congratulate Edwards on a job well done.
“Damn I love this sport!!!” Usman said. “Things happen but… Alhamdulillah we move!! Congratulations Leon Edwards.”
Also Read: Kamaru Usman Net Worth 2022, MMA Salary, Endorsements, Cars, Houses, Properties, Etc.
Recovery
Usman will need some time to recover from this defeat. However heartbreaking it may be, as UFC president Dana White has confirmed plans to book a trilogy between the two fighters once they are both fit enough to compete once more.
In their initial encounter in 2015, Usman defeated Edwards by a unanimous decision. Now “Rocky” has pulled off the unexpected in the rematch. White stated that he would ideally travel to Edwards’ native England for the third fight. But it is obviously too soon to start making plans for the trilogy at this time.
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