Kamaru Usman ‘In Good Spirits’ After Shocking Loss, Wants Leon Edwards Trilogy

Previous UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman is taking his knockout loss to Leon Edwards in stride … informing TMZ Sports he’s “feeling great” and anticipating their trilogy battle.

The “Nigerian Nightmare” was handed his very first UFC loss with simply one minute left in their 5-round bout on Saturday … getting struck with a left head kick that sent him to the canvas.

Regardless of losing his belt, 35-year-old Usman is dealing with the scenario exceptionally well … and providing props to his challenger for landing the knockout blow.

“Everything is great,” Usman stated. “It was just — what a shot. It was a great shot. I’m talking Hail Mary in the Super Bowl, last 10 seconds. That was a great shot, man.”

Usman states he’s enjoyed the battle numerous times now … and believes his family and friends are in fact more upset about the result than he truly is.

“It’s like everyone’s more sad about it than I am,” he included. “Everyone’s more emotional about than I am but that’s because — for me, that’s a good thing ’cause it lets me know that people care, people are invested.”

Usman is turning the loss into a favorable … stating he now has the possibility to motivate individuals as he continues his profession.

“I’m in a rare opportunity. I have a rare opportunity now to just inspire and motivate and show people that you can fall and get back up. I’m excited.”