'A great champion' - relive Edwards' UFC win over Usman

UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall on BT Sport: "Absolutely tremendous performance. You have to remember the level of opponent he was facing.

"Some of the stuff he did tonight was off the charts."

Belal Muhammad: "Lol they’re trying so hard to give Colby the coward the shot."

Alex Behunin: "Honestly I’d rather see Edwards vs. Masvidal (for the revenge aspect) than Edwards vs. Covington or Edwards vs. Muhammad But I’m down for whatever."

Former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington on BT Sport: "I didn't see anything special. He doesn't look hungry any more. He looks like he's a champion and has cashed out.

"I'm the people's champion and he needs to come see me now.

"I didn't think Kamaru won. He had a lot of leg kicks and a couple of elbows. I'd have to look at the strike count. It was a close and competitive fight. It was a coin toss.

"You could tell Leon has worked on defending takedowns but he hasn't fought anyone like me who can mix it up and is a southpaw.

"I'm going to do the job on American soil. Let's get it on in July on International fight week. We need to put it on that week it makes sense.

"I'm ready for this moment and I'm ready to take his shine. There was only one real main event in the building tonight and that was me.

"I love fighting southpaws. I've never lost to one. I match up really well to them. I can beat him everywhere, in striking and jiu-jitsu.

"This summer you're going to see Colby 2.0."

UFC featherweight Arnold Allen: "Lets gooo champ!!"

Teddy Atlas: "Wow, very tough close fight, being home didn’t hurt Edwards that’s for sure, either way close, Edwards acted as Champ when needed."

A really close encounter. Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman fought brilliantly, but almost cancelled each other out at times.

It went back and forth. Edwards had his moments and was looking for that head kick moment again, while Usman reminded everyone how much of a force he is.

What a moment for Edwards. Another seminal moment for British MMA. Rocky remains the UFC champion and has the likes of Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal in his sights. Both are huge fights.

Edwards showed moments of inexperience in this fight, notably the fouls, but he found a way to win.

The reign of Rocky continues.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Kamaru Usman on BT Sport: "I think I did enough to win the fight but I knew it was close.

"He had a great gameplan. I always said from the start we'd meet again and I'm not done. We will see each other again.

"I always gave him props for what he's accomplished. He's a brother like myself and great respect. London you've got yourself a great champion.

On when he wants to get back in the octagon: "Not too long. I'll get back with my coaches. I'm one of those guys, I can't sit for too long.

"I'll spend some time with my daughter. You guys get to watch us but you don't know what we have to scarifice to be here. We put it on the lines every time."

Miami welcomes the UFC to its city on 8 April and there is welterweight fight between Jorge Masvidal and Gilbert Burns.

It could decide Leon Edwards' next challenger.

UFC welterweight champion Edwards on BT Sport: "He didn't get any takedowns I was landing cleaner shots. I took out his legs.

"Thanks to Kamaru for being a great competitior.

"I couldn't get the kick around his head. He had the perfect defence. I was trying to set it up with kicks to the body and legs.

"I know it was a close fight so I knew I had to land the cleaner shots. He didn't land many clean on me. He just had lots of pressure.

"Listen to the crowd!

"That man [Colby Covington] has sat out for two years. I might take a little trip to Miami and see what's going on there."

How crucial could that point deduction prove to be?

All over!

Usman finishes with a flurry but Edwards landed the cleaner shots in that round.

Edwards believes he's done enough to keep his belt as he puts his hand in the air.

Let's see what the scores say.

Belal Muhammad: "His wrestling seems off he’s not committing."

Jalin Turner: "Let’s see who wants it more."

Into the final two minutes and Usman attempts the takedown but Edwards defends it well again.

He manages to get him down with another attempt but again Edwards breaks free and the crowd roars.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Usman manages to partially block a head kick. Tiredness is starting to show in both fighters but some big hits are still getting through as Edwards lands an uppercut before Usman responds with a shot to the body.

Three fights and it all comes down to this - the final round of the trilogy.

A big roar from the fans as we get going again.

Kamaru is expending more energy trying to secure takedowns than Leon is in successfully defending them.

Usman glances a shot off Edwards chin in the final few seconds. Another tight round as we go into the fifth and final round.

Fabian Edwards now out of his seat at cageside. He is one animated sibling, but he barely reacts when Leon jumped on a grounded Kamaru Usman.

Crowd noise is deafening. Every Edwards' success is roared on.

Usman's thigh is taking some damage with Edwards landing 40 leg kicks so far in this feet.

Usman keeps trying to get in close, takes a jab to the face as he does so but then does manage to get a takedown only for Edwards to defend superbly and swiftly get back on his feet.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Usman slips and is down, Edwards tries to take full advantage but Usman does really well to wriggle out of danger and get back on his feet.