Leon Edwards has been not noted of the BBC’s shortlist of Sports activities Character of the Yr nominees, regardless of securing arguably the most effective last-minute knockouts in MMA historical past towards Kamaru Usman in August.
Edwards landed a shocking head kick on the Nigerian fighter to win UFC’s welterweight title within the dying levels of a combat he was possible set to lose on factors, however as an alternative grew to become solely the second British UFC champion.
The transfer – lauded as one of many best head kick knockout within the sport’s historical past – proved deadly for Usman, who fell with lower than a minute to go, though the pair are set to face off within the octagon as soon as extra for Edwards’ maiden title defence.
Leon Edwards’ sensational head kick in August to safe welterweight title was not sufficient to make the BBC’s Sports activities Character of the Yr shortlist
Edwards dealt Usman (pictured) his first ever loss within the UFC throughout their August encounter
And followers and consultants alike have been fast to vent their shock at Edwards’ omission, regardless of his seismic victory, with many pointing to ‘snobbery’ in direction of fight sports activities from the BBC.
Journalist Peter Carroll wrote: ‘However…Leon Edwards had the most effective knockouts EVER!’
TalkSPORT’s Ade Oladipo requested: ‘How does this checklist come about? The place’s is Leon Edwards? Do folks perceive how dominant Usman was?’
Footage confirmed how Edwards’ Crew Renegade MMA trainers Henry Cleminson and Dave Lovell masterminded the victory
Broadcaster and podcaster Adam Catterall has advised that the truth that UFC is just not proven by the British broadcasting giants is maybe a motive that no fighters have been nominated.
Catterall wrote: ‘Did anyone see that Leon Edwards fella changing into an undisputed UFC world champion, beating the P4P primary with a KO of the 12 months contender within the final minute of a combat he was dropping? Me neither because it wasn’t on the BBC!’
And Nick Peet – in the same vein – claimed that the BBC are ‘out of contact’, which is why not one of the stars of fight sports activities made the checklist.
Joe Rogan, who was commentating on the combat, was left shocked by the pinnacle kick
Edwards has welcomed the prospect of headlining a UFC card in England subsequent 12 months
Peet added: ‘As at all times, combat sports activities neglected by out of contact Auntie!
‘Leon Edwards defeats P4P #1, solely 2nd British UFC champ in historical past. Natasha Jonas unifies super-welter division with 3 wins in 9 months. Brendan Loughnane wins 4 fights in 8 months to be UK’s 1st PFL champ.’
Jamaican-born Edwards is making ready for a March reunion with Usman of their highly-anticipated trilogy bout at UFC 286, the place the combat is anticipated to headline.
England and Arsenal ahead Beth Mead is considered the runaway chief for the award, which incorporates England Take a look at captain Ben Stokes, gymnast Jessica Gadirova, winter Olympian Eve Muirhead, Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan and Scottish middle-distance runner Jake Wightman.
Edwards says he is ‘able to go’ once more towards Usman for his maiden UFC welterweight title defence
