Edwards Beats Kamaru Usman In A Thrilling Five Round To Retain Belt

Posted by Samson Kankan Featured, Latest Headlines, Sports News Saturday, March 18th, 2023

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Leon Edwards delivered a tactical masterclass over a thrilling five rounds to defend his welterweight title at UFC 286 in London.

Rocky claimed a majority decision and the overwhelming tension when the scorecards were read out soon morphed into relief and jubilation inside the packed O2 Arena.

Usman knew full well he was in hostile territory when he was serenaded by the chant: ‘Head shot, dead’, and Edwards rode the wave of his support in a performance of total concentration.

He stuffed most of Usman’s takedown attempts and landed the more punishing shots in the fight, ending as the fresher man.

He was rewarded for punishing Usman with a barrage of leg kicks, slowing the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, who marched forward with his usual suffocating style but that march became more of a hobble the longer he was sliced up.

he British fighter came out on top after the five-round war, with the three judges scoring it 48-46, 48-46 and 47-47 in his favour.

Edwards suffered a points deduction during the third round, after holding onto the cage, but still managed to come out on top in the huge clash.