Edwards Vs. Usman 3: Full Fight Breakdown & Highlights

Alright fight fans, let's dive deep into the epic trilogy conclusion: Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3! This fight was a rollercoaster, and we're here to break down every round, highlight the key moments, and discuss the aftermath. Whether you missed the fight or just want to relive the thrilling experience, you're in the right place. Get ready for a round-by-round analysis, focusing on the strategies, techniques, and sheer grit displayed by both fighters. We'll also explore how this fight impacts the future of the welterweight division. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Round-by-Round Analysis

Alright, let's break down this battle round by round. Understanding each round is crucial to grasp the nuances of the fight. In the opening round, Usman came out with a clear game plan: pressure Edwards and establish his wrestling. He secured an early takedown, controlling Edwards against the cage. Edwards, however, remained composed, landing short strikes from the bottom and eventually working his way back to his feet. Usman's pressure was relentless, but Edwards' defense held up. The second round saw Edwards finding his rhythm. He started landing crisp jabs and leg kicks, keeping Usman at bay. Usman continued to push forward, but Edwards' movement and striking were more effective this round. A key moment was Edwards' successful defense against Usman's takedown attempt midway through the round. This gave Edwards confidence and allowed him to dictate the pace. Round three was arguably Usman's best. He secured multiple takedowns and controlled Edwards on the ground for a significant portion of the round. Usman's ground and pound was effective, and Edwards seemed to be tiring. However, Edwards showed incredible heart, surviving Usman's onslaught and making it to the bell. In the fourth round, Edwards came back strong. He landed several clean punches, staggering Usman. Edwards' striking accuracy was on point, and he seemed to have found a weakness in Usman's defense. Usman, visibly fatigued, attempted takedowns, but Edwards stuffed them effectively. The fifth round was a nail-biter. Both fighters were exhausted but continued to exchange blows. Usman managed to secure a late takedown, but Edwards quickly scrambled back to his feet. In the final seconds, Edwards landed a perfectly timed head kick, knocking Usman down and securing the victory. This fight was a true test of skill, will, and endurance. It's a fight that will be talked about for years to come.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Okay, let's talk about the moments that really defined this fight! The most obvious turning point was, without a doubt, the head kick in the fifth round. Up until that point, many felt Usman was edging ahead on the scorecards, utilizing his wrestling and control. But Edwards proved that a fight isn't over until it's over, landing a perfectly placed head kick that changed everything. It wasn't just a lucky shot; it was a testament to Edwards' focus and ability to capitalize on an opening, even in the fight's final moments. Another crucial moment came in the second round when Edwards successfully defended against Usman's takedown attempt. This defense boosted Edwards' confidence and allowed him to control the pace of the fight, showcasing his improved grappling skills and determination to keep the fight standing. Also, let's not forget Usman's dominance in the third round. He secured multiple takedowns and controlled Edwards on the ground for a significant portion of the round. Usman's ground and pound was effective, and Edwards seemed to be tiring. This round showed Usman's strength and grappling prowess. The final round was a nail-biter with both fighters exhausted but continued to exchange blows. Usman managed to secure a late takedown, but Edwards quickly scrambled back to his feet, leading to that epic head kick. These key moments highlight the ebb and flow of the fight, showcasing the resilience and determination of both fighters.

Strategies and Techniques

Let's breakdown the strategies and techniques that both fighters brought to the table! Edwards' game plan was clear: utilize his striking, maintain distance, and defend against Usman's takedowns. He focused on landing crisp jabs and leg kicks to keep Usman at bay. Edwards' movement was also crucial, allowing him to evade Usman's pressure and create openings for his own strikes. His head kick knockout wasn't just a fluke; it was a culmination of his striking strategy. In contrast, Usman's strategy revolved around pressure, wrestling, and ground control. He aimed to close the distance, secure takedowns, and control Edwards on the ground. Usman's relentless pressure and ground and pound were effective, especially in the third round. He also mixed in strikes on the feet to keep Edwards guessing. However, Usman's takedown attempts became predictable as the fight wore on, allowing Edwards to anticipate and defend. From a technical standpoint, Edwards showcased his improved striking skills. His jab was accurate, and his leg kicks were effective in disrupting Usman's rhythm. Edwards' takedown defense was also significantly improved, stuffing several of Usman's attempts. Usman relied on his wrestling and grappling skills, securing multiple takedowns and controlling Edwards on the ground. However, his striking became less effective as the fight progressed, and he struggled to adapt when Edwards successfully defended his takedowns. Ultimately, Edwards' striking and takedown defense proved to be the winning combination, leading to his knockout victory.

The Impact on the Welterweight Division

Okay, so what does this huge win mean for the welterweight division? Edwards' victory solidifies his position as the undisputed welterweight champion. It also throws the division into exciting chaos, with several potential contenders emerging. Guys like Belal Muhammad, Colby Covington, and Khamzat Chimaev are all vying for a shot at the title. Edwards' win opens up a ton of possibilities and sets the stage for some thrilling matchups. Usman's loss, on the other hand, raises questions about his future. Will he attempt another comeback? Or will he take time off to recover and reassess his career? Regardless, Usman remains a top contender in the division, and it's likely we'll see him back in the title picture soon. Furthermore, this fight highlights the unpredictable nature of MMA. Anything can happen in the octagon, and even the most dominant champions can be dethroned. It serves as a reminder that the welterweight division is full of talent, and anyone can rise to the top. This fight has reshaped the landscape of the welterweight division, creating new rivalries and setting the stage for exciting matchups in the future. The welterweight division just got a whole lot more interesting, and fans are eager to see what's next. This is only the beginning, folks!

What's Next for Both Fighters?

So, the big question now is: what's next for Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman? For Leon Edwards, the future is bright. As the reigning welterweight champion, he has a target on his back, with a line of hungry contenders eager to challenge him. Potential matchups include rematches with Colby Covington or Jorge Masvidal, or a highly anticipated fight against the rising star Khamzat Chimaev. Edwards has expressed interest in defending his title in the UK, which would be a huge event for British MMA fans. Ultimately, Edwards' next fight will depend on the UFC's matchmaking decisions and the availability of his potential opponents. For Kamaru Usman, the path forward is less clear. He's suffered back-to-back losses to Edwards, and it remains to be seen how he'll bounce back. Usman has the option of taking some time off to recover and reassess his career, or he could jump right back into training and attempt to climb back up the rankings. A potential fight against someone like Gilbert Burns or Belal Muhammad could be a good way for Usman to re-establish himself as a top contender. Regardless of his next move, Usman remains one of the best welterweights in the world, and it's likely we'll see him back in the title picture soon. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: both Edwards and Usman will continue to be major players in the welterweight division for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 fight was an absolute war! It was a fight filled with twists, turns, and a stunning knockout finish. Both fighters displayed incredible skill, heart, and determination, making it a memorable moment in MMA history. Edwards' victory solidifies his position as the welterweight champion, while Usman's loss raises questions about his future. The fight has reshaped the landscape of the welterweight division, creating new rivalries and setting the stage for exciting matchups in the future. The head kick knockout will be replayed for years to come. Whether you're a die-hard MMA fan or a casual observer, this fight is a must-watch. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport and the incredible talent of the fighters involved. The welterweight division is now more exciting than ever. Thanks for joining us in breaking down this epic fight! We hope you enjoyed our analysis and insights. Stay tuned for more MMA news and updates!