British UFC superstar Leon Edwards left the UK a challenger and returned a champion after defeating Kamaru Usman with a legendary KO on Saturday night.
Crowds swarmed the new UFC welterweight champion after landing back in the UK from Utah. Fans hailed the new big-time British MMA star with chants of “Champ! Champ! Champ” as he walked the airport with his belt placed on his shoulder.
Leon Edwards Build Up to UFC 278
Leon “Rocky” Edwards (20-3 MMA) (12-2-1NC UFC) fully deserved the champion’s welcome he received. Edwards came into the Usman bout riding a 10-fight win streak, and although it looked unlikely near the end, “Rocky” continued the run to 11 to become the second ever British UFC champion. The first being Michael Bisping back in 2016. Edwards started his professional career back in 2011, and made his UFC debut in 2014, where he lost a split decision. The Brits 2015 would start off great, getting back to back wins, including an 8 second KO. In late 2015, “Rocky” would meet with another upcomer in the UFC, facing a then 6-1 Kamaru Usman. Usman would go onto win the fight by decision, but since this fight, Edwards has not lost.
The Jamaican-born fighter has cemented himself in welterweight history, defeating names such as Vicente Luque, Donald Cerrone, Rafael Dos Anjos, Nate Diaz and the PFP #1 fighter in the world Kamaru Usman.
What do you think is next for Edwards?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
