Kamaru Usman vs Leon Edwards scorecard: How did the judges score the first fight between 'Rocky' and 'The Nigerian Nightmare?'
Kamaru Usman is intent on getting revenge and will finally be given that chance when he locks horns with Leon Edwards at UFC 286 out for the third time in his career, but how did the two previous outings look?
In one of the most iconic moments ever witnessed in the sport, 'Rocky' would rise from the grasp of defeat to land a head kick, handing the then-champion his first-ever knockout loss in the cage. While the finish will be played in highlight reels for years to come, Edwards was down three rounds to one on each of the judges' scorecards, meaning 'The Nigerian Nightmare' was just moments away from another successful title defense.
#UFC278 Official Scorecard: Kamaru Usman vs Leon Edwards (@Leon_EdwardsMMA)
View All Official Scorecards: ufc.com/news/official-… https://t.co/9NsMFAwLIC
As we now know the almost certain outcome if the judges were involved at UFC 278, how did the scorecards look when the two met all the way back in 2015?
The welterweight mainstays shared the octagon for the first time on December 19 eight years ago, which would serve as 'The Nigerian Nightmare's second outing under the UFC banner. Despite being new to the big stage, the wrestler proved he was one of the most promising stars in the sport when he dominated the Brit for three rounds. Executing 6/13 takedowns and landing over triple the number of strikes, Kamaru Usman sailed off to a dominant unanimous decision victory, earning a 29-28 nod from two judges, whilst one believed he had done enough to win every single round.
UFC 286: How does the card headlined by Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman look?
As the welterweights prepare to take center stage at the O2 Arena on March 18, we take a look at other big fights that will be on display before the blockbuster Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards headliner.
A fight-of-the-year contender is always a possibility when Justin Gaethje enters the cage, but even more so when his opponent has all the qualities to engage in war, as Rafael Fiziev will showcase on Saturday night.
Following Nathaniel Wood's injury, the all-British clash between 'The Prospect' and Lerone Murphy was canceled, opening up an opportunity for undefeated UFC newcomer Gabriel Santos to face 'The Miracle'.
Dusko Todorovic has proven himself to be a tough opponent for many in the sport, but he will be tasked with spoiling the huge debut of the extremely entertaining and former Cage Warriors middleweight champion Christian Leeroy Duncan.
#UFC286 complete bout order. https://t.co/XnopKdBokJ