The UFC welterweight torch has been passed. Next stop, p4p list.
London’s 02 arena witnessed a changing of the guard at UFC286. UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards retained his title with a superb display.
A performance that was full of confidence, skill, ability, and intelligence.
It was far from the dramatic “head shot dead” fifth round knockout win of Kamaru Usman, six months ago in the altitude of Salt Lake City. But this win was even more impressive and would have given him even more satisfaction.
As dramatic as the win was to claim the title in August 2022. Due to the nature of how the fight played out, many were debating if it was just a lucky shot or a one off.
When it comes to being a champion, it is one thing to win the title but another to retain it.
That’s when you fully feel like the rightful champion. Not only that, but to come away with a dramatic KO victory, then a hard-fought but confident unanimous points victory.
Especially over someone that was on a 15-fight win streak, regarded as one of the all-time best fighters in the UFC, let alone in the welterweight division and a future hall of famer, speaks volumes.
However, it was his confidence throughout the fight that was most telling. Usman tried to come out in his typical aggressive style, but Edwards’ movement and intelligence negated everything he had.
Naturally, with such a talented fighter as Usman, Edwards knew he would have to whether some storms, but to be honest, most of the storms were mild.
Edwards was barely in any real trouble in my opinion, Usman did not really land any telling blows or have a sustained period of ground and pound.
To add to that, Edwards’ take down defence seemed to improve tenfold and his team did a tremendous job getting him ready.
Edwards did say after the fight that they were watching Usman fights, and noticed when he got his hands clasped, it was almost impossible to stop him from taking someone down.
So, they worked on not allowing him to get his hands clasped together and it worked a treat.
On the other hand, offensively, he looked superb. His kicks did much of the damage, as well as keeping Usman off his rhythm and constantly guessing.
It made Usman tentative to walk Edwards down and throw, knowing what happened in the first fight.
Edwards used this to his advantage as from rounds 1-3, he was keeping the kicks low to the legs, and some brutal ones to the body. Inevitably, waiting for the moment to go high, trying to replicate the knockout of their second fight.
But it was credit to Usman for recognising it and not allowing this to happen. However, Edwards was still scoring with kicks and punches.
Midway though the fight I felt like Usman looked slower than usual, and suddenly started to look old.
While Edwards looked young, fresh, and full of confidence. You could physically see he believed it was his era, his time and he was the better fighter.
Take nothing away from Usman, he will no doubt be a future hall of famer. I am sure he will go down as one of the best welterweights ever in the UFC.
I am also sure he will be up there for one of the best fighters in any weight and one of the most dominant champions.
But every reign comes to and end. His victories over Colby Covington will always be legendary fights.
His ko win over Masvidal in the rematch was as explosive as they come. Also, stopping a tough fighter in Burns in the second round after being dropped in the first.
Being introduced to us in the Ultimate Fighter season 21, winning two fights and then the finale. Then going on to win the title against Tyrone Woodley, who we fought was a dominant champion.
Then to go on a 15 fight win streak, with 5 title defences will always be a legendary run and to be respected.
But as Leon Edwards said, this is his era. To fight such a dominant fighter three times and come away with two wins, puts him right up there.
From humble beginnings being born into poverty in Jamaica, then growing up in amongst crime in Birmingham, and losing his dad at 14, to make it to the very top of the sport cannot be praised enough.
He really had to do it the hard way, was passed over several times for title fights, his last defeat was indeed to Usman in December 2015.
He had to go on a 9 fight win streak to get his first title shot. That is unheard of. Now he is the new welterweight champion and on a 11 fight winning streak with one no contest.
Leon “rocky” Edwards is currently in his prime and has the world at his feet.
I understand him wanted to stay active, and fight while he is confident and in form.
He has stated as he means to go on and could well be at the door of something historically special. MMA Jamaica, UK, England, Birmingham and London, stand up. This is your king!
