“Nate Diaz is the champ,” Conor McGregor, Chael Sonnen and pros react to Leon Edwards’ LEGENDARY head kick knockout over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278
Daniel Johnston
Updated on April 01, 2026
Leon Edwards just pulled himself out of the grave to fulfil his dream of becoming the UFC champion, but also with the most spectacular way an MMA fighter, as well as an MMA fan, would fall to agree. Edwards’ knocked out former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a fight he was badly losing due to Usman’s brutal grappling strength and cardio. Edwards is now the second UFC champion coming out of the United Kingdom after UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping.
Not only that, but Edwards is also the second Jamaican UFC champion after Aljamain Sterling, but the first Jamaican-born UFC champion. Edwards is also the second UFC champion out of the Caribbean islands. So many achievements gathered in one night, Edwards has stood out as one of the greatest underdogs in the history of MMA. A trilogy is certain between both the fighters and chances are that Edwards’ first title defence might happen in his home country of England.
Kamaru Usman loses a winning fight to Leon Edwards as he falls for a simple trap leading to a head kick knockout loss
Watch out for these reactions below from Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Ariel Helwani, Stephen Thompson, Teddy Atlas, Khamzat Chimaev, Adrian Yanez and many more to see how they reacted to this superb finish by Edwards, a fighter who was counted out in a way that he was included amongst those who are levels below Usman. Edwards waited for this opportunity for 7 long years to not only get his title but avenge the last loss of his career. Edwards is now on a 10-fight winning streak, replacing Usman for the longest active winning streak in welterweight.
I’d love a crack at this title somewhere down the line gimme gimme gimme
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 21, 2022
I’ve said it before and I’ll say again, there is NOTHING in sports like UFC title fight. Strap in 278 main event is starting now
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 21, 2022
Two tremendous competitors and people with Usman and Edwards. Looking forward to it. #UFC278
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) August 21, 2022
Edwards wants to prove he belongs here, Usman wants to prove he’s great. Let’s go! #UFC278
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) August 21, 2022
Kamaru Usman just got taken down for the first time in his UFC career 🤯 #UFC278
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2022
I have it 10-9 Usman and 19-19 overall. Great fight from both men #UFC278
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) August 21, 2022
This is a great fight so far, definitely what we expected
— Weasle (@ThaWeasle) August 21, 2022
Usman so fundamentally solid, using jab to set things up. #UFC278
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) August 21, 2022
Usman is not only now physically in charge but mentally too. #UFC278
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) August 21, 2022
KO of the year, comeback of the year. Leon Edwards.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 21, 2022
Just like that baby, what a game! Huge congrats @ParadigmSports and Leon Edwards! ANOTHER CHAMPION!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 21, 2022
OH MY GODDDDDD
LEON EDWARDS JUST KO'D USMAN IN THE FINAL MINUTE VIA HEAD KICK
HOLY SHIT HE DID IT!!!!!!!
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 21, 2022
THIS MAN HAS BEEN DISRESPECTED 10X OVER. I CAN'T BELIEVE HE ACTUALLY DID IT. GO ON LEON. YOU DID IT.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 21, 2022
LEON EDWARDS JUST KNOCKED KAMARU USMAN OUT COLD WITH A HEAD KICK.
CAN YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU JUST READ?!!
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) August 21, 2022
What do you make of Usman’s loss to Edwards? Do you think Usman deserves an immediate title shot or should he warm himself back again to get hungry as a fighter? Also, should Edwards move on to resolve his rivalry against Jorge Masvidal in the first title defence or should he wait for Usman to come for a trilogy? Where do you put this fight amongst the greatest upsets in UFC history? What do you make of these Twitter reactions as well?
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