Stephen A Smith
Stephen A Smith reacts to the main event of UFC 278 – Kamaru Usman vs Leon Edwards 2 alongside Michael Irvin
The entire MMA community is still trying to wrap their heads around the incredible main event that transpired at UFC 278. American sports television personality, Stephen A. Smith reacted to the main event by commending Dana White for booking the best fights, and raving about Edwards’ performance on the night.
Kamaru Usman was undefeated for nine years before he met Leon Edwards at UFC 278. The fight began with Edwards using his range to keep Usman away. He threw a strong calf kick and body shots to open his attacks. Usman realized that he needs to utilize his wrestling to disrupt the British fighter’s flow.
He quickly closed the distance and initiated a clinch. Edwards however, maintained his composure and posture forcing Usman into a clinch contest. In one of the rarest sights in a Kamaru Usman fight, Edwards established strong under-hooks that postured the Nigerian up. and used his full force to trip Usman and secure a takedown. ‘Rocky’ obtained a dominant position of full mount, and quickly took Usman’s back. He worked his way for a submission in the remainder of the round.
Realizing that he was one round down against the challenger, Usman came into the second round stronger. He pressured his opponent with intent, and forced his wrestling onto him. He managed to wear down his opponent who seemed to have no answers for Usman’s wrestling proficiency.
The Nigerian was taking down his opponent at will and it looked like he was well on his way to a decision victory. Before the last round, Edwards’ corner encouraged him to dig deep and urged him to push the action. He pulled out a sneaky head kick weapon from deep in his arsenal, that stifled Usman and knocked him out cold. What followed was clear display of thrill and agony from both sides, and a reminder of why this is the most unpredictable sport in the world.
Stephen A. Smith was clearly ecstatic about Edwards’ performance against Usman. He commended UFC president Dana White for giving fans the best fights possible. He went on to say that MMA is one of the most unpredictable sport in the world owing to all the different one can loose a fight.
”First of all, congratulations to Dana White and the UFC. He gives people the fights they want to see and when they want to see. Say what you want about him, he does that and the sport continues to grow and shine.”
He added, ”The other night was a great moment. Kamaru Usman was dominating that fight. The first round was give and take, he took control over the next three rounds, he had control in the fifth and was going to win the fight. And then with seconds left he got caught with that kick, shin area. Caught him right in the face, and knocked him out.”
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