One of the greatest comebacks in MMA history was achieved by Leon Edwards in the main event of last night’s UFC 278. While losing to the now-former champion on the scorecards, Edwards stopped Kamaru Usman in the fifth round to claim the UFC welterweight championship.
When Edwards lost a decision against Usman in 2015, his road to recovery began. Both men have not suffered defeat since. Usman was able to put together a run of victories that gave him the championship and allowed him to mount five successful defenses. Edwards defeated everyone who faced him, but before having his chance at the title, he endured setbacks due to accidents, postponed fights, and general bad luck.
UFC 278: Leon Edwards Stuns Kamaru Usman
UFC President Dana White discussed the exciting main event and what might come next for both fighters during the UFC 278 post-fight news conference.
White highlighted the UFC 278 match from last night as the ideal illustration of what makes mixed martial arts a fantastic spectator sport. White said that it demonstrated the importance of never writing off a championship challenger, especially one with Edwards’ level of talent. Usman has been thinking about perhaps giving up his welterweight title and stepping up in weight before last night. He has stated he might attempt the light heavyweight division.
Now, it appears Usman will continue to compete at 170 pounds for at least one more match. In addition, the fight between Paulo Costa and Rockhold lasted 15 exhausting minutes before Costa was pronounced the victor. Rockhold gave everything he had to the fight, even spreading blood on Costa’s face in the dying seconds.