Leon Edwards and the 4 greatest UFC title comebacks

#2. Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman, UFC 278

Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman first crossed paths at UFC on Fox 17, almost seven years ago. Both men were different fighters compared to what they've now become. While Edwards mounted a spirited effort in the first round of their initial bout, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' went on to dominate every other round, outwrestling his foe to a comfortable unanimous decision win. Usman went on to capture the UFC welterweight championship while Edwards grew from the loss.

When the two stepped inside the octagon for their long-awaited rematch years later, 'Rocky' shocked the world in more ways than one. In the very first round, Edwards stunned Usman and the surrounding spectators by becoming the first fighter to secure a takedown against the Nigerian-American in MMA, eventually capturing his opponent's back as he fished for chokes but found none. At the onset of the second round, the bout took on a completely different complexion.

Edwards succumbed to the demands of the high altitude environment in Salt Lake City. Too tired to maintain his opening-round pace, 'Rocky' was helpless against Usman's relentless pressure. He was outwrestled from pillar to post. After a certain point, his spirit and self-belief seemed to break as Edwards cut a dejected figure. His corner tried to rally him to victory but by the fifth round, it seemed hopeless.

Only a minute stood in the way of Usman retaining his title. As the commentary team spoke about how Edwards might regard not being finished as a moral victory, the Jamaican-Brit threw a jab-straight left combination. As Usman slipped his head to the outside of his foe's left hand, he unknowingly slipped his head into the path of Edwards' left shin. 'Rocky' smashed a thunderous left high kick into Usman's skull, knocking him out cold to capture a title that seemed all but glued to Usman.

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#1. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen, UFC 117

There was a time when Anderson Silva looked invincible. The preeminent counter-striker of his age, the Brazilian was an elusive wizard inside the octagon. He was a human highlight reel with deceptive knockout power. In August 2010, memories were still fresh of his total domination over Forrest Griffin a year prior and the truly bizarre and uneventful bout he had with Demian Maia four months earlier.

With his 12-fight win streak and spectacular wins instilling fear in potential opponents, Silva seemed to have cleaned out his division. In his subsequent bout at UFC 117, he faced longtime wrestler Chael Sonnen. At the time, Sonnen wasn't a fighter anyone believed would trouble Silva. However, in the first round, the former All-American rocked 'The Spider' before diving in for a takedown.

It was a winning formula and Sonnen used his wrestling base to drag Silva to the mat, using his top control and ground and pound to dominate his opponent. Never had the Brazilian looked so helpless. In the fifth round, Sonnen again outwrestled Silva, taking him to the ground off of a slip. Defeat seemed certain for Silva. He was in need of either a flash knockout or a last-minute submission.

With two minutes left in the bout, 'The Spider' glimpsed at an opening and seized his opportunity, slapping on a triangle armbar. While Sonnen resisted as much as he could, it was to no avail, forcing him to tap to the armbar as opposed to the triangle in a matchup where Silva had absolutely nothing else for Sonnen.