Kamaru Usman Reveals Post-Knockout Amnesia Lasted Nearly 30 Minutes After Leon Edwards Bout

Former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman has detailed a harrowing experience following his knockout loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022, revealing that he remained profoundly disoriented and unaware of the fight’s outcome for close to 30 minutes after suffering the decisive head kick. The revelation offers a stark insight into the immediate aftermath of one of mixed martial arts’ most shocking upsets and underscores the significant physical and cognitive toll professional combat sports can exact on athletes.

Usman, widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history, entered UFC 278 seeking his sixth consecutive title defense, a feat that would have placed him in an elite echelon of champions. "The Nigerian Nightmare" had established a dominant reign, characterized by relentless pressure, powerful wrestling, and improved striking, culminating in a pristine 15-0 UFC record before the fateful rematch with Edwards. His reign included dominant victories over formidable contenders such as Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns, showcasing a complete skill set that blended elite wrestling with devastating striking power. His methodical dismantling of opponents had earned him comparisons to legendary champions and solidified his status as one of the pound-for-pound best in the sport. The first encounter between Usman and Edwards in 2015 saw Usman secure a unanimous decision victory, setting the stage for a highly anticipated second clash.

For much of the UFC 278 main event in Salt Lake City, Utah, Usman appeared to be in control, methodically out-grappling and out-striking Edwards. Entering the fifth and final round, Usman held a commanding lead on the judges’ scorecards and seemed poised to cruise to another successful defense. However, with just 56 seconds remaining in the fight, Edwards delivered a perfectly timed left high kick that connected flush with Usman’s head, rendering him unconscious and bringing an abrupt end to his reign and undefeated UFC run. The moment instantly etched itself into MMA lore as one of the sport’s most dramatic comebacks, while for Edwards, it marked the culmination of a long and often overlooked journey to championship status.

Speaking recently on Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel, Usman recounted the disorienting period immediately following the knockout. Despite being physically awake, his cognitive functions were severely impaired. "I don’t remember none of that," Usman stated, referring to the post-fight interactions that took place in the arena.

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Usman described navigating the initial minutes on what he termed "autopilot." He recalled congratulating Edwards, exchanging a handshake, and then walking out of the octagon, acknowledging fans along the way. "I’ll get him next time," he remembered saying, a testament to his unconscious belief that the fight had not concluded in a loss. This period, which included meeting his family backstage and having his gloves removed by UFC staff, lasted an estimated 15 to 20 minutes. Throughout this time, Usman maintained a superficial composure, telling those around him, "I’m OK, I’m fine."

The UFC’s standard concussion protocols mandated a hospital visit for further evaluation, a decision Usman accepted as a "precaution." It was during the ambulance ride to the hospital, accompanied by his manager Ali Abdelaziz, that the full extent of his disorientation became apparent. A paramedic administered standard cognitive assessment questions, including "Do you know where you’re at?" and "Do you know what day it is?"

Usman, ever the competitor, attempted to provide precise answers, even seeking "extra credit" by elaborating. However, his responses revealed the lingering impact of the knockout. He mistakenly cited the event as "UFC 270" and incorrectly recalled the date, despite correctly identifying Salt Lake City, Utah, as the location. The realization of his errors, particularly the incorrect fight number, triggered a sudden and profound awareness of his compromised state. "Oh, if they’re asking me this question, noooooo. No way!" Usman exclaimed, marking the moment he truly "came to," approximately 30 minutes after the devastating kick.

This delayed recognition highlights the insidious nature of concussions and traumatic brain injuries, where athletes can appear lucid yet suffer from significant cognitive deficits. Medical experts emphasize that such memory gaps and disorientation are critical indicators requiring immediate and thorough medical attention, as they can signify a range of neurological issues. The incident involving Usman underscores critical discussions within professional sports regarding athlete safety and the long-term effects of head trauma. Organizations like the UFC have invested in comprehensive medical protocols, including ringside doctors, immediate post-fight assessments, and mandatory suspension periods following concussions. However, an athlete’s subjective experience of disorientation, as described by Usman, emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing and managing brain injuries in high-impact environments. These events contribute to ongoing research and evolving guidelines aimed at mitigating risks for fighters.

While the physical and cognitive aspects of the recovery were challenging, Usman revealed that the deepest emotional blow came later, in the hospital. Initially, he felt "fine" and was even "shadowboxing" in his room, believing he was "back now." However, encountering clips online depicting his daughter’s reaction to the knockout proved to be devastating.

"Someone had clipped out my daughter, she’s happy because all she’s ever known is daddy go out there and win and do everything, and my daughter watched this brutal head kick," Usman explained. "She’s never seen her dad down like that. So she’s crying, she screams hysterically, and she’s turning. Someone clipped that and posted it, and I saw that, and that’s when it broke me." This raw emotional response underscores the unique pressures and personal sacrifices inherent in professional combat sports, where the consequences of competition extend beyond the individual athlete to their families.

Following the loss to Edwards, Usman continued his career, facing Edwards in a trilogy bout at UFC 286 in March 2023. In a closely contested fight, Usman again fell short, losing by majority decision. He then made a brief foray into the middleweight division, taking a short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in October 2023, where he lost by majority decision. This short-notice middleweight bout was a significant departure from Usman’s usual welterweight domain, demonstrating his willingness to face challenges across divisions despite the inherent disadvantages. Usman returned to the welterweight division earlier this year, securing a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlantic City in June, signaling his intent to remain a contender in the division he once dominated.

Related Developments in Combat Sports:

The combat sports landscape continues to evolve with several recent headlines impacting various divisions and organizations:

Garry Eyes Makhachev Bout: Welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry has publicly stated his belief that Islam Makhachev will seek a fight against him after UFC Qatar, dismissing former rival Kamaru Usman as a "has-been who has no knees." Garry’s assertive comments add intrigue to potential future matchups across the welterweight and lightweight divisions, setting the stage for significant clashes.
Makhachev’s Post-Weigh-in Gain: Following his impressive performance at UFC 322, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev reportedly gained nearly 20 pounds after his weigh-ins, a common practice among fighters to rehydrate and refuel after severe weight cuts to optimize performance.
Tsarukyan on Makhachev’s Dominance: Arman Tsarukyan, a top lightweight contender and a former opponent of Makhachev, expressed his "shock" at Islam Makhachev’s dominant victory at UFC 322, acknowledging the champion’s exceptional skill and performance in his latest title defense.
Lucindo’s Drug Test Issue: UFC strawweight Iasmin Lucindo recently failed a drug test, attributing the positive result to a tainted supplement. Such incidents frequently prompt discussions within the MMA community about supplement regulation, fighter accountability, and the complexities of anti-doping protocols.
Ferguson’s Boxing Venture: Veteran UFC fighter Tony Ferguson has ventured into the boxing world, booking an interim title defense for a Misfits Boxing card scheduled to take place in Dubai. This move highlights the growing crossover appeal between mixed martial arts and influencer boxing, as fighters explore new avenues for competition.

Upcoming Fight Announcements (PFL Lyon, Dec. 13):

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced a series of bouts for its upcoming event in Lyon, France, on December 13, featuring both established and rising talents:

Taylor Lapilus (22-4) vs. Liam Gittins (13-4)
Paulina Wisniewska (6-0) vs. Sabrinna de Sousa (4-0)
Patrick Habirora (7-0) vs. Kevin Joussey (10-4)
Gustavo Oliveira (11-2) vs. Movsar Ibragimov (7-0)
Rayan Balbali (1-0) vs. Levi Batchelor (2-0)
Asael Adjoudj (10-1) vs. Frederik Dupras (9-2)
Boris Mbarga Atangana (7-0) vs. Guilherme Soares (17-7)
Connor Hughes (12-2) vs. Aleksandr Chizov (12-3)
Dean Garnett (14-3-1) vs. Baris Adiguzel (9-1)

These announcements reflect the ongoing global expansion of mixed martial arts, bringing high-stakes competition to various international venues and offering opportunities for emerging fighters.