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Kamaru Usman is getting ready to defend the UFC Welterweight Championship for the sixth time as he faces Leon Edwards at UFC 278.
This is the second time these two fighters are going head to head. Usman earlier fought Edwards in his second UFC bout after winning the Ultimate Fighter Finale in 2015 and managed to beat Edwards via unanimous decision.
Usman has been unstoppable since winning coming to UFC and has 15 wins in a row. He has successfully defended the title against all the top contenders in the last three years, and even defended it twice against Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.
On the other hand, Edwards has also not tasted defeat ever since Usman defeated him in 2015. His victims include the likes of Rafael Dos Anjos, Donald Cerrone, Vincente Luque, among others.
Edwards looks to avenge a 2015 decision loss to Kamaru Usman, challenging his old foe for the welterweight title.
Usman last fought in November, outpointing rival Colby Covington to retain the title against him for a second time.
Briton Edwards, meanwhile, last competed in June 2021, surviving a late scare against icon Nate Diaz to win via decision.
Will Edwards be able to prove a threat to Usman’s title reign? We will bring you play-by-play and round-by-round updates from the fight…
ROUND ONE
No touch of gloves, surprisingly! Edwards didn’t look at Usman once during the face-off.
Usman takes the centre of the Octagon. Edwards kicks low, and again. Usman shoots for a takedown against the fence.
Edwards defends it and gets into space! He tries a trip but fails, then drops to the canvas, and Usman follows him to the mat!
Edwards does really well to scramble and stand. Usman has Edwards clinched against the fence, but Edwards trips Usman and lands in full mount!
That’s the first time Usman has been takedown, officially, in his UFC career! Wow! Elbow from Edwards.
ROUND TWO
Usman backs up Edwards and throws some wild punches. Edwards lands a knee to the body and beaks free.
He blocks a head kick, but Usman is pouring on heavy punches! An uppercut gets through! Edwards tries to stay calm, and he circles away.
Low kicks by Edwards. Usman complains of an eye poke.
The fight resumes, and Usman gets back on the front foot. Stern jab by Usman. Each man then targets the body of his opponent.
A clean right hand lands for Usman, but a left staggers him. Usman opts to grapple again, against the fence. The crowd boos.
Edwards shoots for a takedown, but Usman sprawls well to defend it. Edwards stands.
Usman with elbows against Edwards, who has his back to the fence. Edwards blocks them, then lands one of his own.
Big hook to the body by Usman, though, and he then takes down Edwards.
ROUND THREE
One-two by Edwards, but Usman replies with heavy punches, backing up the Briton.
Usman gets another takedown – they’re getting easier – and takes the back…
He’s not doing much work, and the crowd boos.
ROUND FOUR
Edwards misses with a hook and eats one from Usman. Now Edwards kicks low, then to the body.
Usman begins to back up Edwards, who slips a clinch attempt and takes Usman’s back! He drives the champion to the fence.
Edwards and Usman are right in front of the Briton’s corner. Edwards lets Usman go, and the champion immediately secures a takedown! Why did Edwards let him go?
Usman is burrowing punches into Edwards’ ribs.
ROUND FIVE
Edwards just knocked out Usman with a head kick with just a minute left. The Brit was down on the scorecards and just won the UFC Welterweight title out of nowhere.