UFC 278: Kamaru Usman reacts to losing title, being KO’d
Kamaru Usman shares first social media message since getting knocked out in spectacular fashion by Leon Edwards and losing the welterweight title at UFC 278
For as much as we’ll talk about how extraordinary, unbelievable and exciting of a moment UFC 278 was for Leon Edwards, it’s also a very devastating one for Kamaru Usman.
Despite getting taken down for the first time in his UFC career in that fight, Usman was in complete control of Edwards in their title fight from round two through most of round five.
With less than a minute left, it seemed Usman was cruising his way to another successful title defense. But that’s when, seemingly in desperation, Edwards threw a head kick that landed squarely on Usman’s head and knocked him out.
Not even an hour after the shocking knockout defeat, Usman took to social media to send an update — a 180 from the dejected look on his face when leaving the Octagon.
Champs f$ck up sometimes… but we bounce back and come with vengeance!! 👊🏿🌍🤴🏿 #NGHTMR
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) August 21, 2022
Kamaru Usman promises to bounce back from title fight loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 278
Usman had claimed the UFC welterweight championship with a win over Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 in March 2019. Since then, he had defended the title five times — once against Gilbert Burns, twice against Jorge Masvidal and twice against Colby Covington.
The fight with Edwards at UFC 278 was also a rematch for Usman. The two squared off in Usman’s first UFC fight after winning season 21 of The Ultimate Fighter. Usman won via unanimous decision.
The loss at UFC 278 marked Usman’s first in the Octagon and his first loss since dropping his second professional MMA fight in 2013. Edwards, meanwhile, is still unbeaten in the Octagon since losing to Usman in their first encounter, which took place in 2015.
With the circumstances of tonight’s event, a championship rematch (and a trilogy fight overall) would certainly have to be immediate.
Next. UFC 278: Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards live results [UPDATED]. dark