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
Murphy vs Santos - Round 1
Murphy has grown as this round has gone on, first finding the body and then the head of Santos, but the Brazilian trips him before securing another takedown, Murphy is able to spring back to his feet quickly, however.
The horn sounds and the fighters stare each other down before being separated and sent to their corners.
A strong opening round from Santos. Work to do for Murphy.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Murphy vs Santos - Round 1
Lerone Murphy is welcomed by rapturous applause from the English crowd and the fight gets underway.
Murphy is quickly taken down by Santos, before the Brit reverses and lands some ground-and-pound.
A flashing head kick is blocked by Santos, before a slamming body kick lands flush for the Brazilian - that sounded like it hurt Murphy.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
The final bout of the early prelims is Lerone Murphy vs Gabriel Santos! Two unbeaten fighters going at it, at featherweight.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Huge applause around the O2 for England’s own Michael Bisping, as the former middleweight champ rises from the commentary desk to receive cheers from the crowd as his former walkout song, Song 2 by Blur, blasts around the arena.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
The British fighters keep on coming, as Lerone Murphy takes on Gabriel Santos in the featherweight division.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Leon Edwards said this week that Kamaru Usman will be able to ‘follow his fashion dreams’ after UFC 286.
Edwards, who was outpointed by Usman in 2015, knocked out his old rival last August to win the UFC welterweight title. The champion defends the belt against the “Nigerian Nightmare” in tonight’s main event at the O2 Arena in London.
Ahead of their fight last summer, Edwards said Usman had dressed like Terry Crews’ character from the film White Chicks, a moment that one journalist recalled during Wednesday’s media day.
Edwards, 31, nearly spat out his drink in laughter, before responding: “It’s a bit too cold over here to be dressing all weird, all funky.
“Our mentalities are just in two different places. I feel like [Usman] is on his way out, and I’m just gonna open that door for him, and give him a path to follow his fashion dreams. Whether he retires after or not, that’s up to him.”
More here:
Leon Edwards: Kamaru Usman can follow his ‘fashion dreams’ after UFC 286
Edwards said Usman was dressed like Terry Crews’ character from the film ‘White Chicks’ ahead of their last fight, and the pair square off again this week
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Dusko Todorovic via first-round TKO (knee injury, 1:52)
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Duncan vs Todorovic - Round 1
A tentative start builds as Duncan looks to land some leg kicks.
And just like that - it’s over - a first-round win for Duncan as a grappling exchange leads to Todorovic landing awkwardly on his knee.
Duncan looks disappointed, but it’ll go down as a first-round victory for the UFC debutant.
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