Leon Edwards has become only the second ever UFC champion from Great Britain after claiming the welterweight title with a shock last-minute kick to the head to beat Kamaru Usman in Salt Lake City.
The 30-year-old, from Birmingham, looked to be heading to defeat at Vivint Arena after being out-wrestled by the reigning champion only to unleash a left kick to the side of Usman’s head, knocking his opponent out, with just a minute of the bout left.
Edwards, who lost to Usman in 2015, is only the second Briton to become a UFC champion, following Michael Bisping in 2016.
He said in his post-fight octagon interview: "I can't put it into words. It's been a long four years. They all doubted me, they all said I couldn't do it. Look at me now!
"I'm from the trenches, I'm built like this. I go until the battle is done.
"I do it for everyone coming behind me. I told you it was possible. We can win a belt, from the UK. Look at me now. I told you I could do it.
"God is on my side. I said it all week, I felt like this is my moment. Everything that happened in the past - two years out, the pandemic, all of it. They all said I couldn't come back and do it.
"There is no ring rust. Now look at me, the champion of the world. I was born in Jamaica with nothing, look at me now."
An amazing scene to witness! Huge congrats Leon! A real good, solid and dedicated mixed martial artist! The uk’s second only ufc champion! Incredible! Congrats mate! @ParadigmSports
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 21, 2022
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor wrote on Twitter: "An amazing scene to witness! Huge congrats Leon! A real good, solid and dedicated mixed martial artist!
"The UK's second only UFC champion! Incredible! Congrats mate!"
