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
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 vs Usman
Colby Covington, who weighed in as a back-up fighter for the main event yesterday, is speaking to media backstage.
He says he flew to London on a day’s notice and cut 18lbs.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
The crowd wanted Vettori to win, but they actually booed that decision! I guess most people scored it in Dolidze’s favour, as did Indy Sport.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Marvin Vettori def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
That 30-27 is very surprising!! Maybe it was the leg kicks that did it...
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Indy Sport would probably give Dolidze the first and third rounds, and Vettori the middle frame. All 10-9.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 3
Good head movement from Vettori to roll under a couple more hooks. Dolidze’s lead leg is showing signs of damage after all of those low kicks he’s received.
Still, he backs up Vettori with more heavy punches.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 3
I’d argue this is tied at 19-19, but it’s hard to say.
Again Dolidze backs up Vettori and throws hooks.
Tonight we’ve seen almost no grappling from Vettori, who has controlled many opponents that way in the past.
Dolidze lands two heavy hooks to the head of Vettori.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 2
Dolidze is either grinning or grimacing at Vettori. The Italian continues to beat up Dolidze’s lead leg.
Now the Georgian shoots for a takedown against the fence, but Vettori escapes his clutches and circles away.
Vettori with a left uppercut in close. Dolidze marches forward anyway. He blocks a head kick as Vettori tries to deter him.
Dolidze’s left eye is sporting some real damage now, in particular a cut underneath. It’s hard to tell which offence caused it – perhaps the uppercut...
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 2
Another low kick from Vettori, who targets the outside of Dolidze’s lead leg. And again.
Dolidze blocks a body kick. Vettori is trying to fight behind his jab.
Dolidze with one of those winging right overhands again, but it’s blocked.
Now he connects with one, though! Vettori absorbs it well.
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