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
Jamaican-born Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, landing a head kick with one minute left – while down on the scorecards – to take the belt from the Nigerian-American and 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.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Well, it’s time. Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman, for the UFC welterweight title.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28).
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3
One more rear uppercut for good measure – Gaethje keeps landing them while leaning off-centre – and the American takes down Fiziev to the sound of a MASSIVE roar in the arena!
We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards. A great final round by Gaethje, who seemed to land fewer strikes across the entire fight but do much more damage.
Let’s see how this one is scored...
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3
Another harsh jab by Gaethje. He lands a brutal uppercut in close, then another, then a hook! Great work.
Another uppercut from the American! And another! Fiziev just won’t go down!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3
Another body kick by Fiziev; another uppercut from Gaethje, who then evades a front kick.
Stern jab by Gaethje, as the crowd chants his name. Fiziev’s right eye is all sorts of messed up.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3
Fiziev tags Gaethje hard with a punch while stepping in. He lands more strikes – a real variety – and Gaethje looks dazed...
Still the American gets off shots, though. Front kick by Fiziev, but his opponent is just out of range. Hard body kick by Fiziev, who then clinches and lands knees to the body. Gaethje tries an uppercut, before the pair separate.
Gaethje lands a trio of uppercuts, before attempting a single-leg takedown – unsuccessfully.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3
Final round, unfortunately!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 2
It feels like Fiziev has landed more strikes, but his face is sporting more damage – it’s bruised and cut. He puts together a nice combination of punches now, though.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 2
Spiteful outside low kick by Fiziev. Gaethje absolutely wings a left hook but misses.
Solid hooks by Gaethje now, though, after he blocks a head kick! A brutal knee lands for Fiziev! What a fight!
Gaethje fires back again! Body kick by Fiziev; uppercut and hook by Gaethje.
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