‘Rocky’ became the second British champion in the promotion’s history, following in Michael Bisping’s footsteps, and the finish was as picture perfect as it was dramatic.

With just one minute left on the clock and many already writing the obituary of his title shot, Edwards feinted forwards, drew Usman into a lean to his right where he was unceremoniously dispatched with a shin bone across the jaw.

Usman slumped to the canvas and ‘Rocky’ knew instantly that the fight was over in the very last minute

Edwards is the second British UFC champion and follows in the footsteps of Michael Bisping, who won his belt in 2016

Referee Herb Dean did not even have to haul Edwards off Usman. Everyone knew from the reaction and contact that it was a one-shot kill.

Usman came around and mouthed: ‘You’ve got to be kidding me’, when the realisation of his fate settled in. It brings an end to his astonishing reign as champion and is the first taste of defeat in the UFC.

This rematch was seven years in the making and back in 2015, Edwards fell short in a unanimous decision loss. Both men have come a long way since then, with Edwards winning 10 on the trot to finally earn his chance.

In the opening round, it looked as though he’d seize it with both hands. He managed to take Usman down and it was the first time the champion had ever been put on his back.

There was the faint threat of a submission but time expired and Usman came roaring back into the contest in the second.

Usman was unconsciously before coming around and managing to leave centre stage on his own

Edwards was overcome by emotion at the incredible achievement and broke down inside the octagon

Usman spent much of the contest controlling Edwards but the crowd were buoyed when the British fighter came back

His relentless forward pressure meant Edwards had to fight with his back against the cage and was unable to answer to multiple takedowns and gruelling grappling exchanges.

The third and fourth followed a similar pattern and although Edwards was never in danger of being finished, there was one clear winner heading into the fifth.

So with the clock winding down and just under a minute remaining, the head kick that will be replayed from here to eternity found a home with absolute precision.

Edwards was overcome with emotion on the mic and there’s a strong likelihood that Usman’s body of work will earn him an immediate trilogy rematch.

Edwards repeatedly said: ‘Look at me now’, after fulfilling his ambition of becoming champion of the world

Usman has looked formidable as champion and seemed as though he was on his way to another routine win

Edwards was struggling to combat the pressure but had his moments in the striking exchanges

‘Rocky’ described his knockout as ‘beautiful’ when he watched it back on the big screen alongside Joe Rogan

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Prior to Saturday night’s remarkable win, Edwards told Sportsmail he plans on celebrating with friends and family in Utah before jetting back to the UK for what will no doubt be a week-long party. He deserves every bit of it.

At times, Edwards has seemed like one of the most unlucky UFC fighters on the roster. He had a two-year absence and was removed from the rankings, suffered fights falling off through illness and injury but now all the sacrifices and setbacks are a distant memory.

Daily Mail