UFC 278: Watch Leon Edwards viciously KO Kamaru Usman with ‘greatest headkick KO in UFC history’ to claim WW title
LEON EDWARDS head-kicked his way into the history books to become the UK's second UFC champion with a brutal stoppage of Kamaru Usman.
The pride of Birmingham challenged Usman for the welterweight title early this morning in the main event of UFC 278 in Salt Lake City.
Edwards, 30, started well but succumbed to the pressure and wrestling of Usman in the second, third and fourth rounds.
Usman, 35, looked on course to retain his title courtesy of a unanimous decision victory.
But Edwards had other ideas, putting The Nigerian Nightmare to sleep with a picture-perfect head kick.
The kick sent the Vivint Arena into pandemonium and blew away UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
READ MORE IN SPORT
He said: "That is the greatest head-kick knockout in the history of the UFC."
British MMA fans were blown away by the stoppage, with one saying: "I cannot believe it.
"This is why we stay up past 6am to watch this s**t man."
Another said: "This f***ing sport is so unpredictable. Congrats Leon Edwards."
SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
And another said: "Birmingham stand up!!!"
In his post-fight interview, an emotional Edwards said: "I can't put it into words, Joe.
"It's been a long four years. You all doubted me and said I couldn't do it.
"You all said I couldn't do it. Look at me now. Never again. Pound-for-pound, what? Headshot dead. That's it."
He added: "I know [I was behind] on the scorecards I know.
Read More on The Sun
"But it doesn't matter, I'm from the trenches. I'm built like this. I go until it's done.
"I'm from the trenches. I've been doubted my whole life, but look at me now. Look at me now."