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
Edwards vs Usman – Round 4
The inside of Usman’s lead leg has taken some damage. Edwards has landed around 40 leg kicks, so it’s understandable.
Edwards times a leg kick as Usman comes forward, and the former champion trips and falls!
There's a scramble, before the pair stand and separate.
Nice body kick by Edwards. Good right cross from Usman.
Clubbing left hook from Edwards to keep the challenger off of him. Usman just about gets another takedown against the fence.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 4
It could be even, given that decent round for Usman and Edwards' point deduction.
Outside low kick lands hard for Edwards. He tries to keep moving, to stop himself from being pinned against the fence.
The welterweights trade front kicks to the body, but each man blocks the other's.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 4
Ok, into round 4 we go. This fight is there for the taking for both men
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 3
Good takedown defence from Edwards against the fence late in this round. We'll go to the championship rounds.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 3
Oblique kick by Edwards, then a hard one to the body. Usman says it was too low, but the referee disagrees this time.
More leg kicks by Edwards. Usman tries to stick him with the jab, but the champion is out of range.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 3
Hard low kick by Edwards. Usman responds in kind. Again Edwards tags the former champion with a low kick.
Usman blocks a front kick to the body; Edwards then does the same.
Now we have ANOTHER pause, as Usman again complains that he was kicked in the groin. It did seem to land there. Edwards has to be careful here.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 3
Edwards used the fence to stand, and he'll be warned for that. Referee Herb Dean takes a point! That could be crucial!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 3
Usman is still applying forward pressure. Edwards is staying alert.
Usman backs up the champion and is able to take him down again... Boos from the O2 crowd!
Edwards, with Usman in half-guard, is trying to isolate the challenger's arm. And now Edwards stands – again!
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