Leon Edwards’ Head-Kick Heist: Night Usman’s Reign Crashed
On August 20, 2022, Leon Edwards turned a fading title challenge into a moment of UFC history. At UFC 278 in Salt Lake City, he knocked out Kamaru Usman with a left head kick at 4:04 of the fifth round, capturing the welterweight championship.
One Kick Changed the Championship
Usman was ahead on the scorecards as the final minute approached. Edwards stayed dangerous, disguising the decisive kick behind his hands and catching the champion as he moved off the center line. The finish transformed a fight Edwards was losing into the defining victory of his career.
It also reversed the outcome of their first meeting: Usman had beaten Edwards by unanimous decision in December 2015. Seven years later, Edwards had the belt and the opportunity to settle their rivalry.
Two Defenses Before the Reign Ended
Edwards defeated Usman by majority decision at UFC 286 on March 18, 2023, retaining his championship in London. He followed that with a unanimous-decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 296 on December 16, 2023.
His title reign ended when Belal Muhammad beat him by unanimous decision at UFC 304 in July 2024. Those results define the championship chapter: a spectacular breakthrough, two successful defenses and a difficult loss. Edwards’ head kick remains the signature moment—a reminder that a fight can change before the final horn.
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Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, UFC 278, welterweight championship, MMA
