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
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 2
The atmosphere is great in here. Fiziev gives Gaethje a thumbs-up; referee Marc Goddard smiles at both fighters.
Again Fiziev takes the centre. Gaethje leans into a head kick, but he somehow seems unperturbed!
Another round of “Ole” rings around the arena. Both lightweights land decent punches, before Fiziev clinches.
A good knee off the break by the Azerbaijani, who then complains of an eye poke. The action will be paused for now.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 1
Gaethje attempts a takedown, but Fiziev shrugs it off! A rare use of wrestling by Gaethje, who has tremendous pedigree but only ever seems to strike. That’s just his second ever takedown attempt in the UFC.
A huge knee lands for Fiziev as he closes range!! What a fun first round.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 1
“Ole” sings the crowd! Fiziev with a solid knee to the face in the clinch. Gaethje with a left hook to the head.
Hard leg kicks by Gaethje, but he also keeps ducking his head and winging right hooks without looking.
Teep kick to the body by Fiziev, then another.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 1
Hard leg kick by Gaethje early on. Fiziev has taken the centre of the ring. "Gaethje" is the chant in London.
Harsh body kick by Fiziev, who is pressing forward. Gaethje catches him with a wide left hook. One-two by Fiziev.
Counters by Gaethje! This is a brawl already!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje is a teammate of Kamaru Usman, who challenges Leon Edwards in the main event tonight.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Fiziev is out first. Now here comes Gaethje.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Meanwhile, Fiziev, 30, is on a six-fight win streak. In three of his last four fights, the Azerbaijani has secured knockouts – beating former champion Rafael dos Anjos, as well as Brad Riddell and Renato Moicano.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gaethje last fought in May, as he came up short while challenging for the undisputed lightweight title – for the second time in his career.
The American, 34, was submitted by Charles Oliveira in the first round, after being knocked down by the Brazilian.
In 2020, Gaethje won the interim belt by stopping Tony Ferguson, but he failed to obtain the undisputed gold later that year, as he was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Time for the co-main event, some fans’ most-anticipated fight of the night: Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev at 155lbs.
This week, former interim champion Gaethje called himself the most exciting fighter in MMA history – it’s hard to argue against the American.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Fiziev is a fast-rising contender, looking for his biggest win yet.
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