AFTER landing one the greatest single shot knockouts in MMA history, Leon Edwards must do it all over again this weekend to truly begin his reign as UFC welterweight champion.
The 31-year-old from Birmingham was behind on all three judge’s scorecards in Salt Lake City, Utah last summer before landing a perfectly timed left high kick to the jaw of Kamaru Usman.
The American, then the pound-for-pound number one in the sport, didn’t see it coming and was left flat on his back, out cold, with less than 60 seconds remaining.
In the time that has past, Edwards has become the poster boy of UK MMA.
A generation of future fighters now mimic the fighting style and iconic celebration speech of the Jamaican-born, Erdington-raised champion.
But the task of beginning a new era in the welterweight division is only half done. Edwards levelled the score in their rivalry, after Usman won their first fight back in 2015.
WHAT A KNOCKOUT BY EDWARDS 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/yeX6uUurFE
— FULL SEND (@fullsend) August 21, 2022
THE TRILOGY
Usman, 35, is one of the most decorated college wrestlers ever to transition to MMA.
After suffering a loss in only his second pro fight, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ ran up a 19-fight unbeaten streak which included winning The Ultimate Fighter tournament in 2015.
He ended Tyrone Woodley’s spell as champion in 2019 and successfully defended the 170lb belt on five occasions before August’s rematch with Edwards.
First time around Kamaru wrestled his way to a three-round points decision. But in the summer Edwards not only levelled their series but made off with the spoils.
Similarly, Edwards – who lost his third pro fight – was 8-1 by the time he joined the UFC in 2014.
He lost on his Octagon debut – via split decision to Claudio Silva in Brazil – bounced back with two wins before his lack of wrestling was exposed by Usman.
SALT LAKE CITY
Unbeaten in 10 fights since, Edwards’ shot at welterweight gold was long overdue by the time we travelled to Utah.
But after he failed to capitalise on a strong opening round, in which he took Usman’s back, Kamaru dominated two, three and four with his wrestling and was cruising to a points decision. Then, “head shot, dead!”
Usman’s looking sharp and accurate🔥 pic.twitter.com/SfdfPsBZfi
— 🌴ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ🌴 (@TheArtOfWar6) March 15, 2023
On Saturday night at London’s sold out O2 arena, Edwards will have to find something quite special once again. Usman is a relentless warrior and needs to be met head on.
Mentally Kamaru is going to be frail, who wouldn’t be after getting your lights switched off in the manner in which he did, so expect a heavy and frustrating wrestling approach from the opening bell.
Edwards has to keep the fight standing. His advantage is with his punches and kicks, that’s for sure But, he also has a solid submission game, something we caught a glimpse of when he took Usman’s back early in Salt Lake.
Usman’s legacy is assured. He’ll go down as one of the very best 170lb fighters ever to step foot inside the Octagon. But Edwards’ legacy is still being written and with a vociferous home support it’s his time to shine.
