TheCable

Leon Edwards has beaten Kamaru Usman to defend his welterweight title in a rematch of their thrilling clash at UFC 278.

The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, who was incredibly motivated to take back the belt from his rival on Sunday morning, failed to savage his quest with a majority decision in favour of Edwards at the O2 Arena in London.

‘Rocky’, as Edwards is popularly called, got his game-plan to perfection and even survived a point deduction to claim his victory with a 48-46, 48-46, 47-47 on the judges score cards.

This would be the first time since 2016 that a British UFC champion will be defending a world title on home soil.

While it wasn’t the outcome he wanted, Usman accepted the defeat and promised to comeback in the future to challenge for the title again.

“I think I did enough to win the fight but I knew it was a close fight,” Usman said.

“Great game plan. I’ve always said it from the start, I knew I would see Leon again. I’m not done. I’ll see him again. I’ve always gave him props for everything he’s been able to accomplish. Much respect.

“I’m going to get back with my coaches. I can’t sit for too long. Much respect to the fighters, we put it on the line for you guys each and every time.”

Leon Edwards does it again 🏆 #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/cKMomWJDKG

— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) March 19, 2023

On August 20, 2022, Edwards scored a knockout with a head kick in the final minute of round 5 to end Usman’s long reign as champion in the division at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The loss ended Usman’s 19-fight winning streak that extended over nine years.

Jamaican-born Edwards has now scored a 2-1 win over the former champion in their three encounter.