Edwards utilized his exceptional takedown defense, impressive counterstriking, and kicks to the body, head, and legs to secure the victory. The judges scored the bout 48-46, 48-46, and 47-47.
With a 2-1 advantage over Usman in their trilogy, Edwards now dominates the 170-pound weight class. Usman struggled to break through Edwards' gameplan and failed to dethrone the champion. Despite benefiting from a point deduction in Round 3, Usman could not shift the momentum in his favor.
Edwards' superior performance culminated in a fifth-round defense against Usman's increasingly desperate takedown attempts, coupled with partially blocked head kicks, short-range uppercuts, and a superb standing elbow.
