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

[19 March 2023 00:04 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

WOW! What a title fight that was. Both men leaving it all in the octagon over the full 25 minutes.

It’s the men octagon-side who will decide the outcome now

[19 March 2023 00:04 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Body kick by Edwards. Usman is denied another takedown.

And it’s over! We'll go to the judges.

[19 March 2023 00:03 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

The crowd is so loud now. Usman... you guessed it, tries for a takedown. He keeps spamming those attempts, but he's only secured three out of about 10 in this fight.

Thirty seconds to go...

[19 March 2023 00:03 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

One minute left on the clock, as Edwards stands YET AGAIN!

[19 March 2023 00:02 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Body kick by Edwards, then two hooks to the head. Again Usman goes to the well with a takedown attempt, and – for the first time in a while – he gets it!

[19 March 2023 00:01 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Usman knows he's in a bit of trouble, so he tries for a takedown. Once again it's stuffed.

A strong jab lands for Edwards, who is orthodox now. Clean leg kick by the champion.

[19 March 2023 00:00 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Teep kick to the body by Edwards. Usman backs him up again. Edwards tries for a head kick, but he doesn't land it clean.

Usman attempts a takedown against the cage wall. Once again he's denied. Lovely uppercut by Edwards, and a head kick that partially lands – the crowd is deafening now!

A great left hook by Edwards, and a knee, and an elbow!

(PA)

[18 March 2023 23:59 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Huge roar from the crowd as the final round starts.

[18 March 2023 23:58 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman

We’re about to go into the last round. Indy Sport has Edwards one point ahead, heading into the final round, but it could be the other way.

[18 March 2023 23:57 · Luke Baker]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Edwards vs Usman – Round 4

Yet again, Edwards stands, and the crowd loves that.

Usman will try again, unsuccessfully. He eats an inside leg kick. Decent uppercut to the head by Edwards.

Nice right cross from Usman in response!