Usman vows to bounce back 'with vengeance' after KO loss to Edwards
Warning: Story contains coarse language
Kamaru Usman suffered one of the most stunning losses in UFC history Saturday, but the former champion is intent on reclaiming his throne.
Just under a minute away from a unanimous decision victory in the main event of UFC 278, Usman was knocked out by Leon Edwards to lose his welterweight strap.
Usman went to the hospital after the fight for precautionary reasons and didn't speak to the media, but he reacted to his loss on Twitter.
Champs f$ck up sometimes… but we bounce back and come with vengeance!! 👊🏿🌍🤴🏿 #NGHTMR
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) August 21, 2022
Damn I love this sport!!! Things happen but… Alhamdulillah we move!! 👊🏿🌍🤴🏿 congratulations @Leon_edwardsmma
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) August 21, 2022
After a strong opening stanza for Edwards, Usman dominated the next three rounds and appeared on course for his 16th straight win inside the Octagon, which would've tied Anderson Silva's record.
But Edwards, riding a 10-fight unbeaten streak entering UFC 278, engineered an all-time comeback, knocking out Usman with a head kick to earn his first UFC title and hand the Nigerian his second career defeat.
Usman seemingly won't have to wait long to enact his revenge on the Englishman. UFC president Dana White said the 35-year-old will get an immediate trilogy fight against Edwards, with London as a potential location. Usman earned a unanimous decision win over Edwards in 2015.