KAMARU USMAN was taken to the hospital after suffering a devastating knockout loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 278.
Edwards sent the Nigerian Nightmare crashing to the ground with a spectacular head-kick, just seconds from winning his sixth welterweight title defense.
Kamaru Usman is lying flat on his back, after Leon Edwards has KO'd him
Joe Rogan described it as "the greatest head-kick kick KO in the history of mankind".
Worrying scenes showed Usman, 35 years old, lying on his stomach, his eyes open, and lying down flat on his back.
UFC chief Dana White confirmed that Usman, ranked No1 in pound-for-pound fighter entering the bout, had been admitted to hospital as precautionary measures.
He stated that he believed Usman had fought the perfect battle.
"I was listening and Rogan, Anik and DC were right on the mark with what Edwards should be doing and need to do. And as soon as they said it, he hit the head kick.
"You have to think about everything that was at stake for Usman tonight. Usman fought with complete confidence and fought the perfect fight.
Although it wasn't the most popular style, he was landing big shots on the body and big shots to his head. He couldn't have fought any better fight up to the end.
"It's what makes the sport the best in the world. You can watch four rounds in four minutes. Anything is possible in this sport.
"There is no one-sided or lop-sided fights. Anything is possible. Leon was a dangerous opponent, and I didn't think people would give him enough credit.
Edwards' win, at 30 years old, marks a fairytale rise from an ex-council estate tearaway into UFC world champion.
He is the first British champion after Michael Bisping (2016) and the second of his kind.
Edwards said, "You all doubted my ability to do it. - Look at me now."
"I am from the trenches. This is how I am built. "Look at me now, I've been doubted all my life.
