The 2022 MMA fight of the year

As the year winds down fans and pundits choose to pause and reflect on the best sporting performances and spectacles they have witnessed in the 12 months prior. Subjective top 10 lists are compiled, argued, and used as a gateway to wider discussions.

For MMA fans, the highlight of the year occurred in August at UFC 278 live from Salt Lake City, Utah. Leon Edwards has displayed the patience of a saint to secure his shot at welterweight gold against dominant champion Kamaru Usman. Edwards refused to step into the ring for more than a year, convinced he should be the next challenger. His record demonstrated this fact and boasted nine victories and one no-contest result from his previous 10 bouts.

The title fight was a rematch, as Usman has bested the Brit on points in December 2015 when they were both young and learning the ropes. In the years subsequent, Usman’s star had risen, and he was considered the best pound-for-pound fighter alive. Edwards had quietly gone about his business and worked toward his dream.

Keen eyed observers had noticed that Usman had been dropped several times in fights leading up to his clash with Edwards, which can be a worrying sign of accumulated damage. Usman was recovering from the knockdowns and winning the fights, but an opportunity existed. Edward’s path to victory would most likely be a knockout due to Usman’s relentless style and unbeatable endurance across five rounds. Judges would certainly have to award any decision victory in the champ’s favour.

The first four rounds were close, but Usman had the edge in offensive output. Edwards was staring at a certain loss on points. Then in the fifth, we were reminded why live sport cannot be surpassed in entertainment value. Edwards had constructed a plan after noticing a weakness in his opponent’s defence. Usman was dropping his arms a little too low to blocks kicks to the body, leaving his head open for a split second. Then, with the clock counting down, Edwards sprung his trap.

He feinted for a body kick but went high, over Usman’s lowered hands. The kick landed flush, and the champion was laid out cold on the canvas. Victory had been grasped from the jaws of defeat in sensational style.

The Edwards victory was a triumph of unbreakable self-belief and incredible patience. The Brit had waited seven years for his redemption fight. He then waited four and half rounds to land his killer blow, and the moment belonged to him.

“Look at me now,” was his answer to Joe Rogan’s post-fight interview questions. “Look at me now.”

So that was the fight and performance of the year, a comeback victory for the ages, and a reminder that patience ultimately pays dividends.

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