Leon Edwards' Coach Breaks Down Describing Viral 'Rocky' Moment at UFC 278 - MMA Fighting

Leon Edwards boxing coach Dave Lovell goes in-depth on the speech he gave his charge during UFC 278, how their relationship developed over the years, answering calls of whether Edwards' kick was a fluke, and his thoughts on a trilogy with Kamaru Usman.
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[@MikeySkywalker]

Don’t let him bully you Leon. Don’t let him bully you son! The stuff of legends.

[@delshadsaid731]

“SIT DOWN SIT DOWN SIT DOWN SIT DOWN”

[@FA-pw1yg]

Statements of the year! 🦅🦅🦅🦅🤛🏽

[@okereful]

💯%

[@jeremiaharadanas3707]

the way he said it, like firm, but kinda pleading too like you can hear he cares a whole lot

[@prasantht6910]

He's going to get bullied next fight 😔

[@Goatlinton]

"I just wanted him to go out on his shield, i didn't want him to go out like a lamb" Im in tears rn 😭😭😭😭

[@peterdunngeordie]

Howay the lads! 🤍🖤🤍⚽️⚽️⚽️

[@willfrazier1063]

dude we crying together *Bro hug*

[@bubbag3176]

@@willfrazier1063 same!

[@MikeySkywalker]

So legendary. The stuff of legends .

[@Goatlinton]

@@peterdunngeordie up the mags ◼️◻️◼️◻️

[@nyfolkhero]

“STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOUR FKN SELF". I felt like he was talking directly to me when he said that to Leon

[@comesmokewithus]

I'm not!!!

[@oaoa3953]

Yep

[@neocloudmarts9613]

Totally felt the same

[@uthred6664]

Same!

[@nyfolkhero]

We all need someone like Coach Dave Lovell in our lives.

[@ALL.THINGS.GOD1]

💯

[@Troll_the_Trolls]

Truth

[@ZemarRed]

we do 🙏🏽

[@jeremyelder4650]

There's a video someone made about the psychological effect his coach had on him. Pygmalion effect

[@pedrofernandes4767]

For sure.

[@willr6026]

The raw emotion at 12:50 is why these interviews are so important 🙌

[@technicaIIyspeaking]

don't let him bully you son

[@peterdunngeordie]

What an incredible man Dave is, he’s one in a million, what many people would give to have him in your life! Very genuine person

[@ancientmummy9861]

I kinda lost dad at 15, he didn't die or anything. My story is not as brutal as Leon's. But since 15 I've been fatherless. And I've Always been kinda shy and introverted, very much like Leon. So I've always been drawn towards him. I'll never be the man that Leon is, but goddam am I jealous of the things he's achieved and his relationship with his coach. I truly believe Leon wins the trilogy

[@remix-yy1hs]

@@ancientmummy9861 you will achieve that and more, just do what you love, I will be cheering for you 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿👍👍

[@markdavis8430]

Well said buddy

[@markdavis8430]

@@ancientmummy9861 be good to yourself brotha

[@hms9891]

@@ancientmummy9861 I lost my grandad and have no grandparents anymore the most hourable person I ever knew, in a world where the majority are rats and snakes, I fight somebody from renagade gym where Dave works on October the 8th, I’ve took it on short notice and eating 1 thousand calories a day from Monday just gone

[@benjaminmajorUT]

God damn, Leon and his team keep bringing me to tears with this victory 😂 don’t think I’ve ever been this emotionally invested in a victory before

[@Bonesawisready926]

I've watched the clips of their corner work at least 50 times, and I still tear up during round 4. You can tell he loves Leon, you can tell that whole coaching staff loves him and wanted him to win. This is a brutal sport but you have to love the legitimate heartwarming moments, and we got two legendary ones on one night.

[@scoot1207]

Haha you're not alone. This one has me right in the feels.

[@suspect_fb]

Same lol

[@Azoria4]

Same dude haha

[@Sambo-Rambo]

Yeah same

[@gammawavee5780]

Legendary coach. Worthy of shedding tears for Leon and his success

[@takoflame4948]

Needs to charge him 3x now

[@bubbag3176]

Man, when he said “I just wanted him to go out on his shield” 😭

[@nobotshere8364]

😭

[@Shereboxing]

😭

[@RekreaturA]

I've been walking around for the last 4 days saying "Don't let him Bully you Leon!" to myself.

[@wjbt3]

🤣🤣💀

[@chrisboult6610]

DON'T LET HIM BULLY YOU SON

[@HaroonKhan-jk3fh]

Same!!!! I say it to my wife sometimes and she’s like what??😂

[@endofdayzfitnessu.k2126]

I’ll bully u in a minute

[@siyete8870]

@@HaroonKhan-jk3fh dude hahaha ur a champ

[@lilb4977]

Leon said that this man right here is like a father figure to him so that tells you everything

[@sheshd]

Leon and his team are the definition of genuine. It's a shame the UFC can't promote people like this more. Hopefully they can learn from this.

[@painandpyro]

Why do that when there are plenty of unsuspecting family members to insult or unaware fighters to assault in public? 😄

[@sheshd]

@@painandpyro hahaha. Like old men in bars?

[@DW-rs1pr]

Ariel's the man for bringing him on

[@sheshd]

@@DW-rs1pr everything Leon that Ariel has done has been nothing short of spectacular. Man deserves an award for his insight and coverage.

[@WAdams-ps9st]

I want his voice on my alarm clock: "Cmon lad, git up!"

[@bubbag3176]

It says something that everyone on Leon’s team that has been interviewed (Coaches and Manager) haven’t been able to talk about Saturday night without crying. Leon has an A1 💯 Crew!

[@siyete8870]

Top of the line.. I dream of having such a real crew behind me like this one day

[@michaelfaulkner5839]

Man, I started to get emotional when he did. That’s what a true coach is supposed to be!

[@johnpringle5199]

When he said ''stop feeling sorry for yourself" to motivate Leon and he responds with a head kick KO what a legendary moment in MMA.

[@chrish813]

Easily a top 5 MMA moment

[@Juan_deep]

DONT LET HIM BULLY YOU SON!

[@michaelfaulkner5839]

Leon’s story would seriously make one hell of a movie and he should write a book about his life.

[@beatsandthat]

But like actually though. You could get an entire 5 seasons out of it, let alone a movie! Growing up around gangs, escaping to the UK, his father's death, following his Dad's footsteps and getting into crime, his Mom seeing the gym and sending Leon in to train. And of course, the rise to the top. Absolute MAGIC.

[@saltytowers3784]

@@beatsandthat goosebumps from readin 😳

[@Dark-wc4pu]

Leon and Ngannou both

[@siyete8870]

@@beatsandthat BOOM! I love your view. U have a mind for big things, truly

[@jprince176]

I can’t stop following this story. I’ve been watching sports my whole life and I can’t think of anything that tops Leon’s journey to Champion🏆 thanks Ariel for going to hard on this one and understanding what this means to so many

[@KingDomsKingdom85]

Leicester City winning the premier league is the greatest sporting story ever told... Rockys story is a close 2nd for me.

[@jeanzyy7955]

@@BigDog90 no other country outside of America cares about American football.. so no Tom Brady story isn't the best 😂

[@dws0828]

What a privilege to have such a guy in your corner, that main event was such a special moment in time, can’t wait to see the documentary about it

[@hkhooey]

Thank you Ariel for doing these interviews. You're one of the few who have had Leon's back throughout the years! Great to hear from Leon and his team and see the raw passion and emotion in them. Respect from a fellow brummie :)

[@paraics.osuilleabhain3862]

Shame that interview wasn't 3 hours long. i could listen to him all day. Leon is so lucky to have him in his life.

[@dionysian222]

This Coach seems like a great role model!

[@BAGPULAINTAT]

PEOPLE DIDNT CARE FOR LEON UNTIL NOW THEY WILL CARE FOR HIM FROM NOW ON, THAT'S A REAL ROCKY STORY

[@kellabremner7739]

"Look at me now"

[@ninenine2438]

I been defending Leon this whole time but all the casuals and haters just overlooked his skills because of his quiet personality, the fact that he didn't "beat" anyone and the Nate Diaz punch. Meanwhile guys like Islam get hyped up for beating journeymen like Hooker and Drew Dober at best. The fact that most people overlooked the fact he's the best striker at 170lbs is absurd. He's one of the best striker on the roster currently, but no one wanted to listen. And now they the same ones cheering for him 😂.

[@se78n39]

@@ninenine2438 you know

[@HostelJV]

this guy is a hero that speech in between rounds was epic and someone on Leons team called out headkick a half a seconds before the kick lands!!! epic main event!!!!

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Coach Dave reminds me of Teddy Atlas, good man. Imagine if every fighter had a coach like him...

[@hibbs2261]

Yeah his viral corner moment reminds me of Teddy Atlas's fireman speech

[@mr.brenman2132]

@@hibbs2261 I believe the media trashed Teddy for those speeches.

[@TestySatchel]

@@mr.brenman2132 Why did they?

[@mr.brenman2132]

@@TestySatchel Because they thought he was trying to soak up camera time for himself which was obviously not true and ridiculous.

[@TestySatchel]

@@mr.brenman2132 Ah just the media being despicable leeches as usual then

[@alexismclaughlin6036]

Solid man and good role model. So important for young men to have real men like him in their lives. Could be the difference between life and death for some young men, not enough of this.

[@wjbt3]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@siyete8870]

Beautifully said Alexis

[@maryamkim1281]

@@siyete8870 agreed

[@michaelfayombo6370]

Wow! Imagine being a coach and saying a prayer for your trainee, asking God for spiritual strength 🙏. Some coaches would probably be thinking about their % rather than praying for their fighters to pull through. Well done Coach Lovell 👍

[@groundcontrol2464]

Man I love this. Salt of the earth right there speaking all sorts of truth. I wish that everyone in the mainstream could see the honor, respect and love that guy's like this exhibit. The usually faceless side of fight sports there are trainers and men and women like this around the world who do so much good for their fighters and their communities and show the other side to the bloody knockouts that can turn so many people off. Thanks for this Ariel

[@n.w.owhoknowstheshadowknow58]

I love how Leon's win has highlighted good people and how honesty is a great source of strength. I love even more how much everyone else loves Leon's team. Congratulations to them on the win and for just lifting the world's mood a little bit;)

[@dickdickensen]

This is this best victory in MMA ever. Never have any of them stuck with me for so long, not even close.

[@siyete8870]

Yes sir, exactly the same for me. This fight made me scream and lose my voice like never before. Moments like this are perhaps why I keep coming back, magnificent

[@andycory908]

What a coach. This man deserves all the credit for pulling Leon through the fight. He knows how to get the most out of his fighter's. I lost my ability to take care of my family from being hit by a drunk driver then engulfed in gas flames. If I could fight this would be the man that is seek to make me the best I could be. Major respect

[@pecfree]

Good luck to you man. Keep fighting. 🙌bless

[@tryenjoyinglife]

your comment put a lot into perspective for me today, thank you 🙏

[@andycory908]

@@pecfree thank you. All the best from my family to yours

[@andycory908]

@@tryenjoyinglife I'm not sure what to say ,if my ability to fight the fight inspires others in any way it's encouraging. I know many that I've come to meet through my travels that gave up. To fight back for the sake of my family was all I needed. To see the sadness in their eyes I knew I had to fight on to become a encouraging role model no matter what I had to go through. I find watching guy's like that of Rocky Edwards that for what ever reason brings that raw emotion out of me that let's me keep thinking. I'm still in this life for a reason and I'm going to lead the way for my children no matter what. You take care and thanks for your reply ,I was never expecting any I only was really trying to say thanks to those in this world that keep me moving forward. God bless

[@terryduckworth5105]

@@andycory908 devastating, how long have you had that fight ? Too many people get behind the wheel and don’t realise the consequences 😪

[@PresidentEvil]

this dude is a legend

[@siyete8870]

Forever. I’d go to war for this man.

[@aljayy1225]

Wow just wow. This team is so inspiring Jamaica 🇯🇲 to the world!!

[@xxmarvelknightxxgaming]

Should of sparked a spliff right after

[@aljayy1225]

@@xxmarvelknightxxgaming fa real and the interview like a G

[@chrisboult6610]

His team arn't Jamaican

[@aljayy1225]

@@chrisboult6610 He sure sounds like one that has JAMAICAN heritage

[@xxmarvelknightxxgaming]

Jamaican/Caribbean Accents aren't that far off from A British one

[@premlabhaya581]

Im from Birmingham, I know Erdington very well, watching this brings tears to my eyes, I had a picture with Leon in Erdington a few years ago, great humble guy, so proud of Leon and Birmingham

[@mdp_-vn4bo]

Classy of coach to shoutout the whole team at the end, takes an army 💪🏼

[@KingDomsKingdom85]

I love this bloke, he's clearly someone who has others interests above his own which, to me, is the measure of a man. When you see people who are genuinely selfless in this world it makes you want the very best for them.

[@bellenoa9789]

“they’re my boys, i look at them as my sons” bro im cryin into my morning coffee what a coach & what an interview tohh

[@lashadow8]

What a COACH! Beautiful to hear him speak on everything. Thank you Coach Dave & Ariel.

[@jacobgoldenberg3169]

Ariel, thank you so much for inviting this wise and noble man and great coach. It’s really rare in our time to see someone like Dave Lovell who really cares that much about his fighter. It’s not about money or fame, it’s much more about loyalty and nobility. Dave Lovell is a man of honor. Even he was watching Usman how he was looking at Leon and how he was behaving to scare him by playing the little big brother role. Leon is too nice for this world, it’s a good and bad quality. Leon has to show the world the Leon „Lion“ FACE AND POWER. Next fight, Leon has to bring the Hooligan Energy. Leon is super talented and has great team.

[@jacobgoldenberg3169]

Great Interview

[@siyete8870]

Boom! Man comment

[@M25clockwise]

That last part about Usman being changed forever from that knockout was ominous! Dave knows

[@robbiewizz658]

Brilliant interview. The drama of the fight, fantastic corner work. The combo knockout I was screaming in my flat at 4/5 am in London in utter amazement. The post fight ring speech. Phone call to his mum. I was tearing up 🥲 and now Dave getting emotional neatly got me too 🤓

[@ancientmummy9861]

I kinda lost dad at 15, he didn't die or anything. My story is not as brutal as Leon's. But since 15 I've been fatherless. And I've Always been kinda shy and introverted, very much like Leon. So I've always been drawn towards him. I'll never be the man that Leon is, but goddam am I jealous of the things he's achieved and his relationship with his coach. I truly believe Leon wins the trilogy

[@hurrifanc.3434]

Why don't you copy and paste this on all Leon's videos

[@dickdick130]

leon has good footwork, better footwork than what we saw at 278. not like he’s aldo, but better than what we saw. definitely has a shot if his head is in the right dpace.

[@eliwood9906]

Why will you never be the man Leon is? Come on man.

[@aperson7382]

I side with you fella. My father was never around during my youth. It makes us stronger from those dark days. Stand proud fella! Underdogs till the end!

[@TCBITW]

What a legend! Let this man go down in history

[@cooly1224]

Massive respect for Dave Lovell, truly a great character and coach! Big ups to a great man. Teared up watching the interview. It was so pleasant to hear a man with great character, class, and articulation speak on his magical corner work advice and his journey with Leon Edwards 💯

[@bsilva3879]

Ariel, thank you for your work! You give us tremendous interviews. These 2 interviews with Leon and his coach are playing with everyone's "heart strings".

[@user-nu1be8pl5d]

This man is a gem

[@Azoria4]

100%

[@siyete8870]

I’d go to war for the man, honorable as can be

[@ALL.THINGS.GOD1]

This man is as real as come love him stright talking no bs respect 💯 🙌🏼

[@El_turco82]

Wow what humble good guy,god bless him.

[@UntappingYourPotential]

This is the man. Coach of the year. This was amazing. This fight even inspired me to create an animated video of Leon Edwards Story on my KZbin channel. Thanks for sharing this

[@jermainegidden6390]

Yes Dave 🇯🇲🇬🇧Birmingham nuff love big man👊🏽

[@davidhamilton2708]

Respect 🇯🇲

[@mattmorris857]

Incredible coach. The amount of trust between him and Leon must be huge. Some fighters do away with their coaches in down times, but you can tell that him and Leon have been through it together and it's beautiful to see them being rewarded with their hard work and perseverance.

[@leonhughes9014]

Love this guys honesty and passion. Kudos Mr Lovell!!!

[@deepaknambisan3251]

Another absolutely superb interview with a wonderful man. Awesome 🙏🏾

[@gauravvishwas3484]

Don't know why but watching & hearing Dave coaching Leon brings tears to my eyes, every time. Coach of the year for sure! Love this sport!

[@angrysnek4445]

Legendary interview, this man has a good head on his shoulders and its refreshing to see

[@mossogss]

Having had the pleasure of seeing Dave and Leon training at a centre I manage I can honestly say their relationship and work ethic is truly how it has been portrayed over the last week. Dave especially is a regular visitor bringing fighters of all abilities and the effort and attention he gives to all is so refreshing. He doesn't save his effort for just the top guys. I'm so pleased the whole team are getting the credit they deserve

[@thefuckingcurse6994]

wow. this is loyalty at its finest

[@andrewsisk]

Thank you for this interview. One of your best.

[@Seraphimpoet]

"Where he pulled it from, I don't know". He pulled it from the fire 🔥, son! From the fire 🔥.

[@welsht7087]

This is the interview I wanted to see. Respect david.

[@gazc8872]

We all need Coach Dave in our corner...great interview...as real as it gets!!

[@gmanstarr1439]

Amazing getting dave on thanks, ariel.

[@voodoovasey9905]

Wow I loved this interview 💯 please bring coach on for another

[@yusefrodgers5828]

we needed this interview

[@ryecafeandjuicebar]

Goosebumps! Great interview

[@adenwu7846]

Well spoken coach. Nice interview.

[@bartekpodogrodzki6057]

Great coach. Looking forward to hear more from him. Congrats.

[@yolandadiaz9354]

What a great coach, Dave Lovell!!! Great interview by Ariel, too!!!

[@HostelJV]

great interview!!

[@wildchildlove]

Love this interview!

[@tedtyler9336]

Hey Ariel, i am not sure you reading this, but thank you so much for bringing Dave on your show. It was such a pleasure to watch

[@alexle3396]

Omg thank you very much again mr Ariel. This interview is a piece of experience, fan enthusiasm and personal charisma on your part. I’m feeling that rocky feeling again, now in this interview. Thank you. P.s Twice mina’s beauty rules okay?!

[@trichomegarden8584]

Wow. Had me tearing up when he got emotional there. What a great coach and human being this guy is. Leon’s lucky to have someone like him in his corner.

[@trichomegarden8584]

Great interview as well Ariel! 🔥

[@stiofain4693]

Humbleness goes a long way.. what a great bloke.. #Teamedwards

[@ari_sd]

One of the best interviews that I have ever seen, period.

[@teocampos8657]

More power to Dave what a incredible man!

[@West2WesternGhats]

A genuine down to earth person ... So hard to find now a days. Kudoos to you coach for the magnificent win.

[@Zoink99]

This is a guy everyone needs in their corner. What a guy. What a coach. Big ups Dave. You pulled Rocky through to this moment that everyone is now truly engrossed in.

[@markgazee8149]

what a interview 🤙🏽💜💙 plz have the 3rd fight at villa park

[@corymmarules7462]

The Leon interview and this one with his coach ihave been the best interviews Ariel has conducted. Such emotion…🙏

[@danieldoan1707]

“DONT LET EM BULLY YOU SON”

[@sebblackmore3697]

What a fighter, what a team and what a moment for the sport! All of them from my home city! After carrying the Commonwealth torch recently through Erdington, Leon is the true shining light of the communities in his city and the countries he represents. Coach Dave Lovell's words + prayers can't be ignored in this story. Such an important influence and voice of guidance!! Someone we all need or wish we had during those difficult cross-roads moments. All Edward's team deserve the recognition they get from this! Great job and at the most important time! Timing is everything in this life! Be humble but never give up! Listen to this mans words from the fight whenever you need that voice of encouragement.

[@iampaulwadsworth]

UTV

[@JETLIFETAYLORGANG]

Good stuff getting this interview

[@Mr-ye1vu]

Cracking interview. Great men like this all over the country and brilliant when they get a chance to shine.

[@pureEron1994]

Loved this video 👍👏

[@dondiddy7529]

The fact he got so emotional talking about those last rounds shows how much love he has for leon and the passion he has to see Leon succeed, that's a coach you want with you!!!

[@drunkpaulocosta9301]

What a breath of fresh air this camp is. And from humble roots himself it sounds. Glad this has been exposed to the world as much as i am for leon

[@icanfeelloud]

Great interview. Thank you for everything you do Ariel!

[@bean5618]

Big up Coach Dave and the team! Unreal togetherness and will. That win is legendary 💯🇬🇧🇯🇲

[@sunbutma4285]

What a great man. Made sure to give credit to all the people in the background that play their part in making this happen. Even if it's a little part he wanted them to know how appreciative and how they made a difference. This story keeps getting better.

[@spiffyspiff9707]

Great interview!

[@physicsariel9237]

What a great interview!!!! Thank you Ariel. This coach is the real deal the care and passion he has for his fighters is real.

[@chrish813]

Such a blessing for Leon to have Dave as his coach. #AndNew

[@IHACKER316]

One of the best interview in ages , so good

[@voiceofreason1829]

Thank you coach for interview

[@dustywilliams2301]

The absolute best corner man Coach Dave Lovell in that game!!! Wow amazing advice I get goosebumps watching in between rounds in the fight. Speechless congrats to Coach and Leon... WOW!!!

[@mahmoudhoseini1704]

Great 👍 thanks Ariel, you put on full entertaining documentary here

[@delmarreyna]

Been waiting for this!