- George Chung
- Jul 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Leon "Rocky" Edwards has not only delivered one of the most stunning moments in UFC history but also consistently displayed mixed martial arts excellence. From his sharp striking to his evolving grappling, Edwards embodies the spirit of MMA.
Dive into Edwards' career highlights, UFC record, and standout fights that have defined his journey.
Career Beginnings and Notable Achievements
Edwards made his UFC debut on November 8, 2014, in Uberlandia, Brazil, against Claudio Silva at UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Saint Preux. Since then, he has earned two Performance of the Night bonuses, secured 10 decision victories (tied for 4th-most in welterweight history), and achieved notable knockouts, including the latest KO in UFC history against Peter Sobotta and the 3rd-fastest finish in welterweight history against Seth Baczynski.
In August 2022, Edwards became the UFC welterweight champion by knocking out Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. He has since defended the title twice, once against Usman and once against Covington.
Memorable Fights
UFC 263 – Leon Edwards vs. Nate Diaz (June 12, 2021)
After a series of setbacks, including a canceled fight due to COVID-19 and a no-contest against Belal Muhammad, Edwards faced fan-favorite Nate Diaz. Dominating the fight until a late rally from Diaz, Edwards emerged victorious, earning respect and solidifying his reputation.
UFC 278 – Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman (August 20, 2022)
In a rematch with Kamaru Usman, Edwards overcame the champion's pressure and grappling. In the final minute of the fight, Edwards delivered a head kick that knocked out Usman, marking one of the greatest comebacks and title-winning finishes in UFC history. His post-fight speech, including the iconic "Look at me now!" phrase, remains memorable.
UFC 296 – Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington (December 16, 2023)
Edwards faced Colby Covington, a fight fueled by bad blood. Following his second victory over Usman, Edwards dominated Covington for 25 minutes, further cementing his legacy as the welterweight champion.
Leon Edwards' UFC Record
UFC 296 (12/16/23): WIN against Colby Covington (unanimous decision)
UFC 286 (3/18/23): WIN against Kamaru Usman (majority decision)
UFC 278 (8/20/22): WIN against Kamaru Usman (KO)
UFC 263 (6/12/21): WIN against Nate Diaz (unanimous decision)
UFC Fight Night (3/13/21): NO CONTEST against Belal Muhammad (accidental eye poke)
UFC on ESPN (7/20/19): WIN against Rafael Dos Anjos (unanimous decision)
UFC Fight Night (3/16/19): WIN against Gunnar Nelson (split decision)
UFC Fight Night (6/23/18): WIN against Donald Cerrone (unanimous decision)
UFC Fight Night (3/17/18): WIN against Peter Sobotta (TKO)
UFC Fight Night (9/2/17): WIN against Bryan Barberena (unanimous decision)
UFC Fight Night (3/18/17): WIN against Vicente Luque (unanimous decision)
UFC 204 (10/8/16): WIN against Albert Tumenov (submission)
UFC Fight Night (5/8/16): WIN against Dominic Waters (unanimous decision)
UFC on FOX (12/19/15): LOSS against Kamaru Usman (unanimous decision)
UFC Fight Night (7/18/15): WIN against Pawel Pawlak (unanimous decision)
UFC Fight Night (4/11/15): WIN against Seth Baczynski (KO)
UFC Fight Night (11/8/14): LOSS against Claudio Silva (split decision)
Don't miss UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2, live from Co-Op Live in Manchester, England. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.
