Leon Edwards

Jamaican-born British striker who claimed the welterweight title with a stunning head-kick KO of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 in 2022.

Leon Edwards landed a head kick with under a minute remaining at UFC 278 in August 2022 to knock out Kamaru Usman and win the UFC Welterweight Championship in one of the most dramatic late finishes in the promotion's history, ending the most dominant reign the 170-pound division had seen in the modern era. Edwards, nicknamed "Rocky," built a lengthy unbeaten run through the welterweight rankings before delivering one of the most dramatic finishes in UFC history at UFC 278 in August 2022, landing a spectacular head kick with under a minute remaining to knock out Kamaru Usman and win the UFC Welterweight Championship. Edwards successfully defended his title in an immediate rematch with Usman before losing the belt to Belal Muhammad in 2024, continuing to compete at the top of the welterweight division as one of Britain's most accomplished mixed martial artists. Edwards's younger brother, Fabian, also competes professionally in the UFC middleweight division, making them one of the few sibling pairs to compete simultaneously in the promotion, and Leon remains one of the most respected champions to emerge from the UK's growing MMA scene.

Edwards is a well-rounded fighter with excellent striking technique, particularly his kicks and precise boxing combinations. He has strong takedown defense and effective clinch work, allowing him to keep fights standing where he excels. His patient, technical approach and ability to find openings late in fights make him a dangerous opponent throughout all five rounds.

Edwards' head kick knockout of Usman will be remembered as one of the greatest comeback moments in UFC history, proving that fights are never over until they're over.

• UFC Welterweight Champion 2022-2024
• first Jamaican-born UFC champion
• BAMMA Welterweight Champion, pre-UFC