In the Clinch: Can Usman Snatch Crown Back from Edwards in London? UFC 286 – It was the head kick heard around the world. Leon Edwards (20-3-0), 31, was losing convincingly on points at UFC 278 last August. Suddenly, late in the last round, he caught then champion Kamaru Usman (20-2-0), 35, with a head kick right on the button.
Usman was sent crashing to the canvas and Edwards completed one of the greatest upsets in the history of the UFC.
But perhaps what was even more fascinating, was how Usman handled that difficult loss.
Usman basically congratulated Edwards. For the most part, he let Edwards bask in the win and enjoy his victory. He made little public comment as he watched “Rocky” became a real-life Rocky Balboa. Edwards is adored by two nations, Jamaica and the U.K., not to mention fans around the world.
And when Edwards demanded the rematch be held in his backyard, the O2 Arena in London, Usman complied.
Meanwhile, Edwards has taken the time to enjoy his victory lap. It reminded me of the beginning of the movie Rocky III, where we see Balboa enjoy the fruits of winning the title from his longtime nemesis Apollo Creed.
But I do believe Edwards will not make the mistake Balboa did in the movie, losing his edge and underestimating the challenger Clubber Lang.
Assuming that is the case, the fight now begins.
We will see if Edwards and Usman have made the proper adjustments. Edwards will not have that full element of surprise for Saturday.
Usman comes in without that aura of invincibility he has always enjoyed in the UFC. It was shattered permanently by that Edwards head kick.
If Usman wins, it could set up a trilogy fight. A Creed III if you will.
And I think Rocky, Apollo, and Adonis would drink to that.
In the Clinch: Can Usman Snatch Crown Back from Edwards in London? UFC 286 – More Resources
Kamaru Usman
Leon Edwards
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