The storied trilogy between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman came to an end over the weekend with the defending welterweight champ proving to be the Nigerian’s kryptonite.
The Jamaican-born MMA fighter won the bout on majority decision and looked smooth while doing it, with impressive takedown defence and a flurry of leg kicks.
Things had certainly gotten personal ahead of their third fight with a lot of trash talk between the two in the lead-in.
Edwards had certainly gained confidence after becoming the first man to dethrone Usman, and that confidence definitely shone through in the third fight.
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The intensity was palpable as Bruce Buffer gave his introductions for the fight, but one moment, in particular, is being called one of the ‘coldest’ in UFC history.
Just as the former champion had done in their previous fight, Usman walked right up to his opponent to get in the Englishman’s face as his introductions were being read out.
It’s a signature point of intimidation for Usman, but this time Edwards had his response.
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As the Nigerian Nightmare got right up in Edwards’ face, Rocky decided to pull out the hang trigger and mimic that infamous ‘headshot’ that sent Usman tumbling in their second fight.
With the term ‘headshot, dead’ becoming synonymous with their rivalry the moment was a significant callback to the moment Usman lost his first UFC fight.
Not letting his opponent get the upper hand in the mind games anymore, Edwards clearly had more belief in himself after that second win.
The moment before the fight left many UFC fans raving.
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One fan said: “This was one of the coolest moments that ever took place during a UFC intro.”
Another wrote: “Leon Edwards has the coldest knockout in UFC history… he may also have the coldest photo.”
A third commented: “Cold ass moment man.”
A fourth added: “Leon Edwards too cold with it.”
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It was a theme that continued throughout the fight, as Edwards remained calm despite Usman’s numerous attempts to take him down.
It was tight fight that had fans online all over the place with their points predictions.
However, the O2 Arena in London when their boy was announced as the winner on majority decision.
Both fighters showed respect to each other after the fight despite the heat that had been displayed earlier.
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A brilliant way to end one of the greatest UFC rivalries of all time.
Topics: UFC, MMA, Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman
Jayden Collins