Daniel Cormier Dismisses Idea of Fluke Knockout for Leon Edwards
Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier believes Leon Edwards' win over former pound-for-pound king Kamaru Usman was no fluke.
In the main event of UFC 278 in Salt Lake City, Utah, welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman battled Leon Edwards. The fight is a rematch of a previous contest in 2015 that saw Usman walk away with a unanimous decision. Since then, Leon hasn't missed a beat going on ten straight bouts without a loss.
Monumental Upset Finish
The Brit aptly named 'Rocky' pulled off the spectacle of the century. In the dying seconds of the fifth round of the championship bout, Edwards managed to land a devastating head kick that flatlined the former welterweight champion. Despite the apparent scoring, down three rounds to one, Edwards hoisted gold above his head at the end of the match.
Since the spectacular victory, some fans pointed out Leon Edwards was losing heading into the fifth round and suggested the head kick was a lucky shot. Many people have called the head kick a fluke; however, many think Edwards' approach was far more tactical.
Daniel Cormier Disagrees With Fans
Daniel Cormier, former double champ and commentator, doesn't believe the criticism from fans. The former champion discussed the fight on the DC & RC podcast hitting back at the idea of a fluke victory.
Cormier noted that Kamaru Usman was up heading into the final round. However, 'DC' pointed out this isn't the first time Leon's used this combination, dismissing the idea of a fluke.
“He went out there and gave himself a chance,” said Daniel Cormier on DC & RC. “I don’t know if he threw that combination with the idea that it would land [clean] because nothing had worked from round two all the way on, but he landed that shot perfectly. I have seen him do this before.”
“This is not the first time that he has knocked someone out with this kick. He has done this on numerous occasion. It was crazy to watch.”
Do you think it was a fluke, or do you agree with Daniel Cormier's comments? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
