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“Don’t Watch This Flag”: 8-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt Ignores British Flag to Recognize Jamaican-Born Leon Edwards’ Championship Effort at UFC 286

Published 03/19/2023, 8:01 AM EDT

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Leon Edwards had his moment of triumph in front of a raucous home crowd at the O2 Arena in London as he successfully defended his UFC welterweight title against Kamaru Usman in a majority decision. This fight was the decisive trilogy bout between the fighters and it solidified the fact that Edwards’ first win over Usman was not just a fluke. Although a close fight, ‘Rocky’ still managed to have the final laugh in this trilogy.

This has garnered the Englishman a lot of praises from fans around the world, including from the legendary Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, who congratulated Edwards on his victory. However, the 8-time Olympic gold medalist focus on their shared Jamaican bloodline, highlighting the pride that he and many others feel in seeing Jamaican fighters succeed on the global stage.

Usain Bolt focuses on the Jamaican in Leon Edwards

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Like many others, Usain Bolt, the renowned track and field athlete, didn’t hold back in showing his admiration for Leon Edwards’ victory in the UFC welterweight title match at UFC 286. The eight-time Olympic gold medalist took to his Instagram story to congratulate the 33-year-old fighter on his successful defense of the title. While praising Edwards, Bolt emphasized the Jamaican spirit in him and avoided any mention of the British flag.

The 36-year-old Jamaican runner shared the post below and wrote, “Don’t watch this flag a Jamaica to the world. Anything is possible don’t think limits. @leonedwardsmma let’s gooooo!!”

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Bolt’s message to Edwards after his victory over Usman may have been unconventional, but it was clear in its meaning. The runner has never shied away from demonstrating his pride for his nation. And this case right here is no exception, too.

As for Edwards, his second consecutive victory over Usman has solidified his position as one of the top fighters in the UFC welterweight division. It will be interesting to see who the Englishman will face next as he aims to defend his title and continue his winning streak.

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Who would you like to see Leon Edwards take next in the octagon? Please drop your picks in the comment section below.

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Written by:

Mayur Soni

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One take at a time

Mayur Soni is a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. His interest in the UFC heightened when he first saw his favorite fighter Conor McGregor knockout Jose Aldo in mere 13 seconds, in 2015. He thus got hooked on the sport.
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Edited by:

Amal Joyce