UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman result and reaction

Follow live updates as Leon Edwards defends the welterweight title against Kamaru Usman, after Justin Gaethje faces Rafael Fiziev

Moment Leon Edwards retains UFC title after decision win against Kamaru Usman

Leon Edwards retained his welterweight title against Kamaru Usman on Saturday, outpointing his rival in the main event of UFC 286 at London’s O2 Arena.

Jamaican-born Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, taking the belt from the Nigerian-American to become Britain’s second ever UFC champion. For Edwards, the result also marked revenge for a points loss to Usman in 2015, meaning Saturday’s main event rounded out a trilogy between the pair.

And Edwards made it 2-1 against his old foe, emerging from the O2 as a majority-decision winner after a tense clash in front of a raucous crowd.

In the co-main event, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje edged past Rafael Fiziev, in a fight that was almost guaranteed to steal the show – and did just that.

Re-live updates and see all results from UFC 286, below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.

UFC 286 LIVE

• Edwards (C) def. Usman via majority decision (48-46, 48-46, 47-47)
• Watch: O2 Arena erupts as Edwards is revealed as winner over Usman
• Watch: UFC president says Colby Covington is next for Edwards
• Gaethje def. Fiziev via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
• Plus: All the undercard results live from the O2 Arena
• Watch: O2 Arena lights go out as fight is about to start
• Watch: Shore ‘didn’t want to take’ fight because of father’s chemotherapy
• Watch: Mokaev was ‘willing to let knee rip’ in nasty submission

[18 March 2023 16:53 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Midway through Round 2, Hardy has just about avoided getting caught in an armbar on a couple of occasions now while inside Miller’s guard.

In fact, Hardy has mounted some effective ground and pound and created a nasty goose egg on Miller’s forehead!

Again Hardy survives an armbar just before the buzzer!

[18 March 2023 16:53 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Midway through Round 2, Hardy has just about avoided getting caught in an armbar on a couple of occasions now while inside Miller’s guard.

In fact, Hardy has mounted some effective ground and pound and created a nasty goose egg on Miller’s forehead!

Again Hardy survives an armbar just before the buzzer!

[18 March 2023 16:42 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

The early prelims are under way ahead of schedule!

Juliana Miller vs Veronica Hardy, at flyweight, is the first bout of the evening.

Hardy is the wife of former UFC welterweight title challenger and commentator Dan Hardy.

[18 March 2023 16:39 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Leon Edwards defends his welterweight title against Kamaru Usman tonight, in the main event of UFC 286 at London’s O2 Arena.

Jamaican-born Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, taking the belt from the Nigerian-American to become Britain’s second ever UFC champion.

For Edwards, the result also marked revenge for a points loss to Usman in 2015, meaning tonight’s main event will round out a trilogy between the pair.

In the co-main event, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje takes on rising contender Rafael Fiziev, in a fight that is almost guaranteed to steal the show.

Leon Edwards (left) and Kamaru Usman during their second clash, in August (Getty Images)