Ariel Helwani's Fired Up Tribute to Leon Edwards’ UFC 278 Knockout - The MMA Hour

Ariel Helwani talks about Leon Edwards’ long road to the UFC title and more on The MMA Hour on Monday afternoon.
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[@Viralvid2024]

This was by far the most powerful tribute and emotional episode I've ever seen Ariel put out there for a fighter, and many will hate to admit it but Ariel was RIGHT about Leon.

[@virgilsson1312]

Ariel rode hard with Leon for a long time and now look... ffs!

[@Chris-nf3sg]

Agree

[@DrBeauHightower]

Win for Ariel since Leon will come on and Usman won't because of Ali

[@ayrmendina8314]

BEAAAUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!

[@josefresno559]

Its dr Thor

[@levelup2014]

“Number 1 pound for pound? Headshot Dead” that’s one of the hardest lines in UFC history

[@slutslayer3295]

Leon's lack of popularity was due to his quiet personality. The passion he showed on the mic after , was without a doubt the best post fight interview ever .

[@Youknowwhathido]

And what a quote as well P4p head shot dead

[@javierlol278]

Dont go overboard tho

[@cuprast2051]

For me it was also the best one☝🏼 it was real, no promo, no bullsh@t just real talk. He talked for millions and i am one of them. Lets go leon 💪🏽

[@cheesybellend6842]

It was the best post fight interview ever definately , mcgregors are always good but this was the best in my opinion

[@Jayyyynmg]

Headshot dead! One of my favorite quotes ever

[@CityLightSafe]

This is what makes Ariel special. He's the best when it comes to big moments like this one. Thank you, Ariel.

[@AB-nk5wv]

Didn’t know much about Leon and, obviously, impressed by the head kick KO. What sold me was his post-fight interview. How can you not be a fan of Leon after that?

[@CityLightSafe]

@@AB-nk5wv Yes indeed. He went through a lot and always remained cool, calm and collected. Glad he got this belt. No matter what happened next, he'll always have this moment.

[@defcon1africa676]

I agree

[@Chris-nf3sg]

Totally agree

[@Kruz.Lee17]

A moment fight fans will never forget. What a story, what a journey. I’m not gonna front, I wasn’t a Leon fan, but I gotta appreciate everything about this. It’s beautiful. One of the craziest things I’ve ever witnessed. Couldn’t be more happy for a fighter! Leon is a good guy, he deserves all the love. 💯

[@mhutch5082]

Don't jump on the bandwagon now homie

[@User-79916_ue]

@@mhutch5082 why u tryna gate keep who can be a fan of who

[@mhutch5082]

@@User-79916_ue just like ariel is saying. Most people wrote him off. Now acting like your a number 1 fan . Bandwagon

[@Kruz.Lee17]

@@mhutch5082 not jumping on any bandwagon, just saying it was dope to witness. 😂

[@duckman5563]

I feel the same exact way

[@nickm2568]

Ariel you backed this guy for last 4 years. Of coarse you can celebrate him and his win. You were his biggest fan!

[@MCSizzle1116]

Helwani truly has been in Edwards’ corner for the entire time. He constantly hyped him up in every interview. You love to see it.

[@lyon_1751]

The knockout, the post fight interview, the rocky music, the backstage footage... special! Proud to say Leon represents me and the rest of 0121 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇯🇲

[@thegameschanged1248]

UTC stand up

[@prakulrathnakar]

The post fight interview was cringe asf

[@lyon_1751]

@@prakulrathnakar really. I thought it was epic. The look at now line was big

[@prakulrathnakar]

@@lyon_1751 he kept saying the same thing again and again at first it sounded Eid but yeah kinda cringe later tho

[@bobby6204]

@@prakulrathnakar usman fanboy alert.

[@santanagutierrez8972]

I cried when Leon spoke with his mom, afterwards I was trying to find a way to explain to my wife the context of why I was so emotional for Leon, that it was not just a fight that he won, but I knew It would be extremely difficult to piece together what Leon has been through, Thanks Ariel this was fantastic and very detailed.

[@James_The-Way-It-Is_Wilson]

Unbelievable but I'm not surprised 🏆🏆

[@ln5747]

Hope you didn't cry in front of your wife, especially not over a sports event.

[@santanagutierrez8972]

@@ln5747 I did not "cry over a sporting event" it was a grown ass man telling his mom who had him at 15 and got him out of a horrible life situation and telling her basically their whole life is about to change, especially when nobody believed in him. It is something I assume you would not undestand because you are probably entitled, living with your mom and virgin with no wife to cry to.

[@levity90]

@@ln5747 so what if he did?

[@ln5747]

@@levity90 you do as well then.

[@seans7261]

I completely forgot about them threatening to remove his ranking! Extremely happy for that man.

[@nathanferguson4813]

They did remove him until he accepted to fight Chiemiev!!

[@vhyles]

Dana and his bullying tactics again 🥴

[@ministerizzy]

Ariel, you are without a doubt the best man for the job when it comes to promoting the MMA world. Rocky has a great friend and brother in you. Stay real Sir!!! You rock!

[@HughJorgan09]

Ditto. THIS is a true friend. LOTS of folks will be with you, if you ever get on top, but, how many of 'em were 100% down for you, like Ariel has been (for Leon), BEFORE it all manifested?!

[@rollo_tomasi3853]

Find yourself a person like Ariel who loves, supports & hypes you, the way he does for Leon 😅🙏

[@gamebred6995]

Ariel had Leon's back alwayst. Respect. Ariel is great for the sport

[@lukemurray4950]

He actually didn't. Just to name one thing, he called for Burns to wait for the title shot instead of fighting Leon even though they was in the exact same position, fight falling out and losing big opportunity but also the fact Burns only got that opportunity because of Leon's fight falling out! Credit for eventually getting behind him but he was one of the problems to begin with.

[@thehuncho9081]

The best knockout I’ve ever seen, I will never forget that for the rest of my life. Unbelievable

[@dougieswag503]

Absolutely loved Ariel’s take on this and props to him for being behind Leon from day one. But I swear he said DC beat Anthony Joshua at UFC 187 😂

[@Chris-nf3sg]

I noticed that too

[@Phantoman7]

I am so happy for Leon. It brought tears to my eyes, to see this man win, after all of the struggle and preserverance he had to endure. Leon, you won for all of us. Rocky is a most fitting nickname you have.

[@jayhenry3894]

I still got chills, even today

[@fmcdomer]

cashe

[@tkcth]

serious bro

[@cappy2282]

Now we know why Masvidal got his TWO PIECE...then got the hell outta there

[@KSingh627]

Ariel, you killed this. Great stuff.

[@erich1380]

I've been one of the people that has stood up for Leon for years. Saying how stupid the masvidal incident was because it was assault.. how is it cool to just walk up and punch someone? And masvidal showed his true colors again with Colby at that club. When everyone was saying, who is there even left for Usman to fight? So many times I was like Leon wtf do you mean!! Ive had this sneaking suspicion this whole time that Leon was the guy that had what it takes. It really is so rare for Leon and the people that had his back to get vindicated but here we are and it's a great feeling.

[@WontHarmYou]

Masvidals a real brawler though. Maybe not the best fighter in the octagon when there's rules applied. But i'd put my money on him to win in a street fight against almost any welterweight fighter in the world.

[@infozone9601]

@@WontHarmYou silly boi

[@JmusicxK]

masvidals a criminal and needs to be locked up

[@redneckrambo9626]

@@WontHarmYou stop it 🤣 in a real street fight against real fighters his ass is flat on his back on asphalt getting shredded. This whole, "yeah but street fight!!!" narrative is one of the dumbest things Diaz and Masvidal fans try and bring up. In a "street fight" where they're only allowed to strike with no takedowns... yeah sure... that's not a real street fight. Real street fights involve grappling.

[@JUNAID187]

Masvidal benefited from the lack of intelligence of the American public tbh. They saw the 3 piece soda incident as proof he's better in MMA somehow. Still mad how Jorge got 2 title shots before Leon.

[@mortiis469]

Absolutely INCREDIBLE piece Ariel. I don't know anyone else in the game who could break it down like this. The story of Edwards is beyond something special. It runs so deep and you never skip any part of it. Thank YOU for doing this, and for Edwards..... Leon, my dude.... You DESERVE this and THEN some.. Congrats to Mr. Leon Edwards

[@Handeeman]

This was awesome Ariel. Thank you for highlighting such an amazing athlete and human! What an incredible last two fights

[@Monalisa0622]

I was so looking forward to this interview. Ariel has been rooting for Leon for a long time.

[@lukemurray4950]

If he can win the rematch at Wembley then he may just become the post popular fighter in the sport. Biggest turn around of support ever!

[@turnerburner922]

Idk why people want that more than Khamzat or Diaz.

[@kathleenfinnerty226]

He will win the rematch

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI]

@@kathleenfinnerty226 🤞🏻

[@lukemurray4950]

@@turnerburner922 Usman legacy. I do wanna see Usman and Khamzat though. Styles would match up good.

[@johnnysanchez4996]

He should fight in Jamaica where he’s from.

[@acdnan]

This is one of the realest Ariel moments. There is no one like him in the MMA community.

[@jonoharper4729]

Usman: "Who, who, who" Leon lands the kick: "Oh, so you're an Owl now"

[@michaelhenderson1034]

Watched you for 15 years arial this is the best single work you have done !!! And well needed to remind the mass’s great stuff 👍🏽 Leon needs some credit .

[@Probasaur]

Leon Edwards come from behind win by head kick in the final minute of the final round was the most incredible moment in MMA sports history. Rocky, what a story. I said he had more than a punchers chance... was waiting for that big shot to land all fight. Couldn't be happier for Leon Edwards. Such an inspiration and has been for years and years.🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆

[@PushinP2]

Me too. I thought if Usman kept it standing, Leon would eventually clip him. Honestly I think Usman knew that too

[@sarasabado]

Beautiful segment 🔥🔥🔥 Leon is an Inspiration

[@talon3684]

0:44 - 1:37 Amen. Amen. Amen. Leon's championship victory is a metaphorical victory for many of us and those who believed, no doubt about it.

[@SpookyRedz]

Ariel , my heart was in my chest , during the fight , and it was so awesome to see Leon throw that kick , my heart was pounding

[@mid-eighties]

Leon is 5 years younger, that speed of the kick was unbelievable, kamaru couldn't seen that coming, it was brutal as F straight up on the face tho. Leon is the F man, I went really happy to seen his victory.

[@Eli-wr3xw]

Even though Leon’s title shot was long overdue the timing was perfect and it ended beautifully for him you can’t write a better script

[@ocbb4441]

I’m from north west of England and I know the way he’s lived. Many poverty ridden areas up north are the same so I definitely shed a tear when he won. Everyone’s so proud of you Rocky true legend man

[@MorAodhan]

26:15 look at Ariel's eyes, he really is feeling it and is genuine in his emotion and affection towards it all. Top lad.

[@jonbonesmahomes7472]

Well done Ariel,well done. Thats how you do it ,pure class.. Leon has a real friend in you ,well done ..

[@lowlowseesee]

Ariel more pumped than ever lol

[@JAYDUBYAH29]

This is why you’re the GOAT, Helwani.

[@thomaskreye7872]

I listen to Leon's octagon interview every day.

[@bussyhaver]

overtook khamzats “EVERYBODY” speech for me

[@NinjaSquirrel30]

Let's go Rocky!!!! Pulled out the KO when needed awesome setup and kick. 👏

[@BigDuttyDeezeHD]

MMA gyms round Birmingham and surrounding areas are having a huge influx in sign ups thanks to Leon. 🙏💪

[@flexjohnson18]

I'm a big usman fan but Leon's story just rips and tears at the heart. While I'm sad about Kamaru I have to admit I loved seeing Leon's triumph

[@AmB39]

It is a victory for all of those things. Really well said Ariel.

[@Sam-ji1fu]

This was a great synopsis of Leon's journey and the obstacles he endured to get where he is. I lost a shitload of $ betting against him but if there's one fight that I was genuinely happy that I got wrong it would be this one. Congrats to the humble champ.

[@blakecandesign9628]

The thing I love about the internet is has all receipts. I’ve been advocating for Leon to get his chance for years as well. And I’ve had everyone in every comment section on KZbin give me similar treatment. Feel free to check all my comments. It’s great to see some of mainstream mma media in that same lane the whole time too. Thanks Ariel, doing gods work as always 😊

[@mmawolverine]

credit where credit is due Ariel was way ahead of this one

[@NisarKhan-fk4rq]

From Birmingham,UK. Thanks 🙏 Ariel for speaking about our fighter from Birmingham. The UFC has really treated him shabbily!! He was willing to fight ANYONE and they tried to stitch him up at EVERY STEP!! Disgusting behaviour just because he is not load and Arrogant or brash but a humble person a down to earth guy and I swear so many people are really really happy for him. Like he said It was destiny!! I can't believe the way that he won and it was past 5 O'clock in the morning and when Leon delivered that Head kick I woke all my family up screaming and I was screaming out of the window and phoning my Nephew and Brother who were at Leon's gym celebrating his win. It was really one of my best moments watching the UFC!!! May Allah make his life better because he deserves it!! Nobody gave him a chance and he KOd a guy who was supposed to be the P4P king at welterweight and against all the odds at the last 50 seconds delivered the best head kick that's ever been seen in the UFC!!! 💯👌🇬🇧

[@Meelodin]

Damn that made me come close to shedding tears. I can truly say you were absolutely right on this one and most of us can agree that yes, you definitely told us so.

[@BenjiBoy09]

I can't believe Leon was getting booed in England. I've been behind him all the way.

[@ofon2000]

that was in salt lake city...not England Sorry I didn't realize you were referencing the Masvidal vs Till card

[@stuartballantyne2823]

He got booed because he was arguing with Darren till who at the time was the golden boy of uk mma. Don’t get me wrong if Leon gets the Wembley fight the whole crowd and the the whole nation will be behind him. Look at me know !!! Leon rocky edwards 🇬🇧🇯🇲

[@johnnysanchez4996]

He’s Jamaican

[@stuartballantyne2823]

@@johnnysanchez4996 he was born in Jamaica moved to the uk when he was 11 he represents the uk and Jamaica

[@jonesjay515]

I think you know why.

[@brendonching7952]

Well Done, Ariel….this is why you’re the Top Journalist in MMA.

[@drazendukat4013]

Thank you so much Ariel, i teared up just from this segment. I am relatively new to our greatest sport of MMA and i had no idea of the journey that our champion had to go through. Truly amazing, truly historic and truly inspiring!!!

[@markmma1985]

Ariel has been Leon's biggest public cheerleader. He deserves 👏 for sure

[@phiniasmtonga4461]

Ariel is the true Embodiment of what a real friend is.

[@user-dz7th4ez1r]

Ariel you are a legend for supporting Nottingham Forest - Leon is the man the unsung hero of British MMA

[@johnnysanchez4996]

Yet he’s Jamaican

[@DBlaze-ol1ku]

True Rocky story. What a beautiful moment. Congrats champ

[@QUESTISBEST1]

This will go down as one of my favourite ufc title wins of all time. No recency bias. The context, the story, the life of Leon Edwards, the dominant career of Kamaru Usman. This is a true underdog story. Leon really did it from nothing. NOTHING. Brilliant piece Ariel thank you

[@Ray-bn1ry]

One of the greatest moments in mma I've ever seen, Leon deserves all the praise 👏🏽

[@sibonisongema5383]

Ariel, this soliloquy on Leon was LEGENDARY! Respect!

[@bronco1199]

What an amazing breakdown of a fighters career and ups and downs. That much more respect for Leon Edwards after watching this. Congrats champ!!!

[@mkd456]

They say money and fame got to Usmans head… no it didn’t, Leon’s shin did 🤣

[@Jeremyramone]

Too soon..

[@johnnysanchez4996]

Yea man, let be honest that was lucky. Usman will get the belt back easily.

[@antperry3799]

Powerful and inspiring story. Well done Leon!

[@persianposer]

Ariel sets the standard for mma journalism so high. Happy days for the good guys

[@tonyeffinmalony]

God damn, Ariel...you just make it impossible to not respect you sometimes

[@mrmann2046]

Bravo Ariel... Thank you. You put it down PERFECTLY. The most undervalued and overlooked fighter in UFC history - why, because he doesn't do 'media'?? Well done Leon! You deserve all the flowers mi bredda... Likkle but we Tallawah 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@deightonharper877]

@Mr Mann Definitely Tallawah!

[@SpookyRedz]

Leon the Edwards deserving champion

[@Chris-nf3sg]

Great tribute to Leon Ariel. I'm from the UK and it's great to know you have always had his back- and know the tough life he has lived to get to this monumental result! I have honestly watched that headkick 50 times or more. What a result, what a moment, what a fighter. Thank you Ariel 👍

[@themonsterbaby]

This was one of my all time favorite mma moments to watch..... and I got to experience it with my son. Just the whole thing. Luke fighting like an absolute warrior and reclaiming his dignity like that. Leon taking down Usman, threatening with a submission, then Usman dominating the next 3 rounds. 1 minute left in the fight and Leon throwing one of the most picture perfect cross-headkick combos of all time and turning the lights off of one of the greatest fighters on the planet. I have zero hate for Usman, so this isn't anything against him. I just love the SPORT, and watching the underdog do something that spectacular.... it was just amazing to watch. One of my favorite finishes ever. Well done Leon!! No matter what happens the rest of your career, no matter what happens in a rematch, right NOW you are the champion of the world!! And it was an honor to experience you getting that belt. Well done, Champ!!!!

[@James_The-Way-It-Is_Wilson]

I concur brother.... and we witnessed greatness 🙌

[@ed-roc2054]

💯

[@themonsterbaby]

@@James_The-Way-It-Is_Wilson we really did. Me and my son were both going nuts in my living room. The fight was basically over, another damn near flawless performance from the champ, other than that first round..... then Headshot. Bang. Done. Just awesome. And watching Luke absolutely pour his soul into that fight... those 2 fights were just special to watch.

[@James_The-Way-It-Is_Wilson]

It's hard to explain to people just how fantastic the whole night was but the rest of the world will catch up eventually

[@kevinmcleod269]

Yes Leon been a long road but you stayed true well done 👏

[@autcad-td876]

@Ariel you are spot on my guy! As a Jamaican myself, when we play it fair with humbleness and humility, we are often look down on. That is why a lot of us are so aggressive; when we play by the rules it is as if we are not appreciated or respected! Leon is the typical Jamaican who is able to exercise faith, self-control and self-belief because he knows what he is about! Look at the struggles of Usain Bolt - look at him now! Look at Leon now! Look at Rocky now! Blessings to you and your family and the work you have been doing Ariel Helwani!!!!

[@Thijszz]

I watched this tribute at least 7 times in full.. 3 years of frustration coming out. It was hard to be that diehard Leon fan, seeing all that potential and seeing him getting iced and disrespected for so long. But damn what was that moment great when he finally stole the shine he deserved so much, that post fight speech was the most genuine and emotional thing i ever watched.

[@moreclips805]

Insane to see the power of ESPN. Ariel used to consistently get over a million views/ video. Scrolling through SBN* I’m seeing a ton under 30k.

[@michaelstylianou72]

Best vlog you've ever done mate!!! I'm from Manchester England. I called this also. Absolutely KNEW he was gonna do it!!! You summed him up perfectly. Thank you Ariel 👍

[@qdawgg2587]

Might have been the greatest opening monologue in history. Respect, Ariel.

[@MaDaburazGmaz]

This one s very true from A to Z. One of a kind story, very glad for Leon

[@kadinbeedle4805]

So happy for Leon, you called it all along Ariel! Love ya boys!

[@draco2xx]

i had faith in leon from the jump then as the fight goes on in the later rounds i started to get nervous 😭. leon managed to do the impossible, congrats champ 💪😎

[@topsecret5110]

I've ALWAYS been with you on this, Ariel. I was behind Leon ALL THE WAY. This feels PHENOMENAL! THERE'S ONLY ONE ROCKY EDWARDS!

[@MSmithT]

Beautifully said!! I wasn't aware of his hardship until UFC Countdown. Kamaru lost my support with his cringy nonsense.

[@judejean-baptiste1478]

Yeah, I just can't stand kamaru. He was talking about fighting Jon Jones before the Leon's fight 🤣

[@hdhdu7634]

Beautiful tribute💚 you manage to articulate such a long & challenging history, that even someone not into the sport would be able to grasp how much this journey meant & what the significance of this win really was. Nice one Ariel😎🙌🏽

[@godofthisshit]

This was great segment, and a great video in preventing revisionist history.

[@SpookyRedz]

We love you Ariel , great guy , the best podcast

[@ronin1316]

Hes an idiot. Saying people from his home town booed him. The fight was in London. People in Birmingham have always supported him. I'm from brum so I should know

[@Sevabrah]

Very well said! I still can’t get over his win anf amazing triumph.. so well deserved and fulfilling 🙌

[@Jimmyjim4]

I've watched this 3 times today. I'm so happy for Leon. I'm grateful to be alive, and to have lived in a time where this moment occurred.

[@immyhussain283]

Leon is the man. Respect, did it for the 🇬🇧 and 🇯🇲

[@turnerburner922]

I was in Buffalo Wild Wings… Everyone was screaming and in shock.

[@jameshunter63]

Loving the tribute! It’s really well deserved for Leon and I’m so happy for him.

[@714SNF]

Well said! Love watching a person that is passionate about something.

[@judejean-baptiste1478]

You're so right. For all the troubles and ridicules Edwards had to endure. Him knocking out Kamaru makes it every bit sweeter.

[@camron4668]

Ariel you said it best and I love you for keeping it real. I can listen to you anytime of the day. Thank you

[@garycurrington5495]

Wow Ariel 👌 what a speech, so articulated, i have goosebumps just listening to you put into words the journey that Leon Edwards had getting to fight for the belt.

[@olddnkinobi5758]

So happy for Leon. Even happy to read others comments on how happy they are 😂 Just enjoying this moment Leon is now legend 💪💪

[@SpookyRedz]

Don’t let Usman bully you son , amazing

[@johnnysanchez4996]

He shouldn’t have had to tell him that though.

[@OwenTalks]

As soon as this fight was announced I just had a feeling in my body Leon was gonna do it. I told everyone that spoke to me about it, Leon is bringing it home. And he did.

[@shanesheppard1784]

leon got dominated and got a lucky kick, when this rematch happens i hope yall keep this same energy

[@mrgzola25]

@@shanesheppard1784 NO luck, it's 25 minutes. Better man won.

[@mazenrizvi1614]

Ariel you are so well spoken and wayyy better...than other q and a guys like mma junkie and schmo.... You explained this story soo well that any1 would get emotional... Great work keep it up

[@pluswan7642]

Thank you so much for the wonderful content. Love ya!

[@AnglingAnxiety]

This hits home so hard! I've backed him for years and so unbelievably happy he pulled off what he did! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 King Edwards 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@spacehigh940]

This is one of the greatest segments in the show’s history. Well said and will go down in history as a legendary moment forever. Thanks Ariel and thanks Leon for one of the most awesome championship wins in the history of sports. #lookatmenow

[@SimpsonIII]

Ariel is 100% correct about everything and it’s amazing tha he’s holding these people accountable on social media every show should do this, Ariel keep up the great work!

[@ahmeddjeghri6879]

Sooo well spoken and well put, I'll keep coming back to this video for extra motivation and inspiration, thank you Ariel!

[@ejeric23]

🔥 Leon this the greatest WW in the world. His reign will be long