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Leon Edwards stuns Kamaru Usman with last-minute knockout at UFC 278 to claim world title

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4 years ago

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Photo: Leon Edwards knocked Kamaru Usman unconscious with this incredible head kick to shock the world

• ‘Rocky’ snatches victory from the jaws of defeat to become second British champion in history

  • Leon Edwards was heading to a decision defeat when he pulled off a spectacular Leon Edwards delivered one of the most iconic moments in UFC history to flatline Kamaru Usman with a head kick and dethrone the formidable welterweight champion.

‘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

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

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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U.S. President Trump: Iran should skip World Cup ‘for their safety’

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1 month ago

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March 13, 2026

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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as he receives the FIFA Peace Prize during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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U.S. President Donald Trump  has said that the Iran national soccer team is “welcome” to compete at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, but advised the team not to participate for “their own life and safety.”

Trump wrote on the social media site Truth Social: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Iran, one of 48 teams in the tournament, is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 before finishing group play in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.

On Wednesday, the Iranian sports minister said that Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup following airstrikes against the country by the United States and Israel.

“Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali reportedly told Iranian state television.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the first day of attacks. He has since been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Trump’s message appears to depart somewhat from what the Republican president relayed Tuesday at the White House to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who later publicly said that Trump assured him the Iranian players and coaches would be welcome.

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Infantino had subsequently posted on social media Wednesday that Trump had assured him Iran would be “welcome” to compete.

A White House official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations, had confirmed Trump’s message to Infantino about Iran’s participation.

On Thursday, the White House did not immediately clarify what Trump meant by “their own life and safety,” such as whether he anticipated threats against them while in the United States after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began Feb. 28.

The U.S. is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Since June, Iran has been subject to a travel ban into the U.S. as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. But athletes and coaches from the target nations are exempt, which means the Iranian team would be allowed to enter the U.S.

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Senegal defeat Morocco to clinch second AFCON title

Published

3 months ago

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January 18, 2026

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Senegal’s midfielder #26 Pape Gueye celebrates his goal with teammates during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
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Senegal on Sunday night defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, in a match marred by controversy, prolonged stoppages and players briefly leaving the pitch.

The dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was interrupted late in regulation time after a contentious penalty decision awarded to Morocco following a VAR review, sparking protests from Senegal players.

The penalty, awarded deep into stoppage time, led to chaotic scenes as Senegal players surrounded the referee, with play halted for several minutes.

Players from both teams eventually walked off the pitch before returning after intervention by match officials and security personnel.

 

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Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, with Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saving his attempted Panenka, further escalating tensions inside the stadium.

After regulation time ended goalless, the match proceeded to extra time amid a charged atmosphere. Senegal took the lead in the 94th minute when Pape Gueye struck a powerful long-range effort into the top corner.

Morocco pushed for an equaliser, hitting the crossbar and forcing late saves, but Senegal held on to secure victory in a final that saw extended delays, heated exchanges and repeated VAR interventions.

The match lasted well beyond the scheduled time due to stoppages caused by protests, referee consultations, and crowd unrest.

Senegal’s win crowned them African champions after one of the most dramatic and controversial finals in recent AFCON history, played before a packed home crowd in Rabat.

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AFCON 2025: Morocco beat Nigeria 4–2 on penalties to face Senegal in final

Published

3 months ago

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January 15, 2026

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Morocco's forward #10 Brahim Diaz celebrates after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) semi-final football match between Nigeria and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat on January 14, 2026. Photo: AFP
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday lost 4–2 in a penalty shootout to host nation Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The semi-final was an evenly contested affair over 120 minutes, with Morocco dominating much of the attacking play, registering 16 shots to Nigeria’s 2.

Both sides created chances, but Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou kept their teams in the game with key saves.

Star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman struggled to influence the match, and their efforts in extra time were thwarted by the hosts’ defence and goalkeeper.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was superb at right-back, as was his counterpart on the left side, Noussair Mazraoui.

Both played prominent roles in the attack, keeping pressure on Nigeria while also limiting the impact of the Super Eagles’ attackers.

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The Atlas Lions held their nerve in the shootout, with En-Nesyri converting the decisive penalty to send the home team into the final.

Nigeria’s hopes were dashed when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyamaechi failed to convert, giving Morocco a 4–2 shootout victory.

Both Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored, while Chukwueze missed, and Onyamaechi’s attempt was saved.

Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final, aiming to claim only their second AFCON title, following their last triumph in 1976.

Nigeria will contest third place on Saturday with Egypt, who lost 1–0 to Senegal earlier on Wednesday.

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