Conor McGregor has commended UFC welterweight Leon Edwards for an impeccable year inside the Octagon after finishing Kamaru Usman earlier this year.
In the dying moments of the fifth round and down on the scorecards, Edwards delivered one of the most draw-dropping moments in the sports history when separating the then No.1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter from consciousness.
Alongside the incredible head kick knockout, UFC commentator Jon Anik delivered an incredibly timed sentence: “That is not the cloth from which Edwards is cut” when Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier eluded to him coasting to face defeat on the scorecards.
Conor McGregor Applauds UFC Welterweight Leon Edwards
McGregor Tweeted: “Stop the nonsense ‘comeback’ of the year , this is EVERYTHING of the year! Bar none. The timing of commentary. The timing of the fight. The shot itself. The KO. The ramifications. The post speech. Pound for pound head shot. Dead! This lives on!”
The Jamaican-born cut one of the most spectacular post-fight interviews in recent memory after doing the unthinkable: “Pound for pound. Head shot. Dead!”
Edwards displayed a positive first round against the champion at UFC 278, but in the latter rounds, the altitude of Salt Lake City, Utah, negatively affected his performance. Usman’s aggressive smothering and wrestling approach took its toll on the challenger, and it looked as if the champion was cruising his way to making another successful defence of his title.
Edwards was rewarded for never quitting on himself when he perfectly executed a head kick that landed flush on Usman’s temple. That said, his corner provided an inspiring moment which went viral post-fight. Edwards became the second British champion after Michael Bisping.
A trilogy bout with Usman is set to take place in March and headline the pay-per-view event at the O2 Arena in London, England.
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