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
Maia vs O’Neill – Round 3
Both women’s noses are bloodied now. Two minutes left in this one.
Maia keeps landing a lead uppercut on the lean after slipping O’Neill’s straight punches.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Maia vs O’Neill – Round 3
Final round! (Side note: A huge roar from the crowd as Covington arrives and motions to the fans.)
The pattern of the fight continues, as O’Neill presses forward but struggles to land the shots she wants.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Maia vs O’Neill – Round 2
So far, Maia has fought very well on the back foot. This time she punishes Maia with an uppercut, but she’s been throwing combinations, too.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Maia vs O’Neill – Round 2
Maia slips a cross and lands her own on O’Neill – not for the first time tonight.
Still, O’Neill comes forward, and again she’s made to pay as she eats a counter shot.
Lots of lateral movement from Maia, as O’Neill backs her up against the fence.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Maia vs O’Neill – Round 1
Clean jab for Maia, but O’Neill fires back with a right cross.
Maia catches a kick and looks for a single-leg takedown... but she can only drive the Aussie back to the fence, where O’Neill slips away.
O’Neill just misses with a right cross, and Maia grabs her, pulls her close and knees her to the body.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Maia vs O’Neill – Round 1
Lots of forward pressure and volume from O’Neill early, but without the accuracy.
Good head movement from Maia to make the Australian miss. O’Neill is already red around the face, in fact.
Maia lands a slapping outside low kick, as O’Neill misses with a one-two upstairs.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Covington backstage: “The food sucks, the weather sucks, and the girls definitely suck.”
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
This one pits a former title challenger, in Brazilian Maia, against a rising contender, in Australia’s O’Neill.
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