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via Imago

via Imago

Leon Edwards shocked the world with his victory over then-welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in their second encounter at UFC 278. ‘Rocky’ was down three rounds to one going into the fifth and final round of the bout.

This is why his head-kick knockout of Usman was even more impressive. Usman then was at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings of the UFC. And the Birmingham native has marked the occasion with an Instagram post featuring a video of him and pictures from that night.

Leon Edwards marks one year of his victory over Kamaru Usman

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On his Instagram account, the welterweight champion posted a carousel of videos and images. “Look at me now!” he thunders to the camera in the video of his post-win celebrations. This was followed by a series of photos including him holding the belt up, his head kick knockout of Usman.

The final image featured the Nigerian’s unsuccessful attempt to get up. “1 year anniversary#HEADSHOT#AUG20th” he wrote as caption, referencing his head-kick and the date of his famous victory.

Fans react to Edwards’ post on the anniversary of his victory over Usman

In the comments section of his post on Instagram, fans made their thoughts known. Here is a glimpse of what they had to say.

One fan felt the last picture of a queasy Usman trying and failing to get up was a bit much:

“Last pic was unnecessary”

Another commented on the brutal manner in which ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ was knocked out:

“Gave him bug eyes “

Another referenced Edwards’ coach’s famous advice:

“DONT LET HIM BULLY YA SON”

One user wanted to se him beat Colby Covington next:

“Smesh colby”

Another referenced the famous meme associated with the champion:

“This is why leon edwards has the most aesthetic physique”

Read More – Leon Edwards Hits Back at Fighters Aiming at Welterweight Gold – “ Guys Win One Fight Now and Think They Should Get a Title Shot”

One fan repeated Edwards’ pronouncement after the head kick knockout:

“BOOM! HEADSHOT! DEAD!”

Another followed suit:

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“Look at me now!!”

Another called him an inspiration:

“You’re an inspiration my guy “

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A large part of the excitement and thrill of the sport of MMA is that anyone can get knocked out at any time. Usman was the boogeyman of the division and had defeated Edwards in their first bout, and was dominating the second until the infamous head-kick. This knockout changed the trajectory of the welterweight division and his follow-up victory in their third fight proved, without a doubt, that he was the real deal. Given the background of the fight, ‘Rocky’s victory was, quite simply, one of the greatest victories in UFC history and worth celebrating.

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