UFC Welterweight Title: A last-second head kick from Leon Edwards over Kamaru Usman in Salt Lake City allowed him to win the UFC welterweight championship.
Before unleashing a left-high kick in the last round at Vivint Arena that sent Usman down to the floor, the 30-year-old British challenger was headed for defeat.
Only two Brits have won the UFC championship: Michael Bisping in 2016 and Edwards, who lost to Usman in 2015.
He said in his post-fight octagon interview: “I can’t put it into words. It’s been a long four years. They all doubted me, they all said I couldn’t do it. Look at me now!
“I’m from the trenches, I’m built like this. I go until the battle is done.
“I do it for everyone coming behind me. I told you it was possible. We can win a belt, from the UK. Look at me now. I told you I could do it.
“God is on my side. I said it all week, I felt like this is my moment. Everything that happened in the past – two years out, the pandemic, all of it. They all said I couldn’t come back and do it.
“There is no ring rust. Now look at me, the champion of the world. I was born in Jamaica with nothing, look at me now.”
Ireland’s former UFC champion Conor McGregor wrote on Twitter: “An amazing scene to witness! Huge congrats Leon! A real good, solid and dedicated mixed martial artist!
“The UK’s second only UFC champion! Incredible! Congrats mate!”
For MMA Fight, MMA championship, MMA tournament, MMA live score and other MMA news follow livematchupdatesnews.com.
