Leon Edwards has defended his welterweight title at UFC 286 on Saturday, defeating Kamaru Usman by a majority decision. The trilogy fight, which took place at London’s O2 Arena, saw judges score the fight 48-46, 48-46, 47-47 in favor of Edwards, who landed the crisper and cleaner punches over the course of the bout.
Edwards, 31, started off strong, connecting with two powerful body kicks in the first round. His superior speed and technique made Usman uncomfortable, but the challenger managed to take Edwards down briefly in the second round before both fighters exchanged some heavy blows.
Usman took Edwards to the ground again in the third round, and Edwards was docked a point for grabbing the fence. The fourth round was equally close, with Edwards trying to maintain distance while Usman attempted to close in.
Edwards managed to avoid two more takedown attempts in the fifth and final round, and landed an uppercut on Usman, though he also took a hit to the body. Edwards had previously ended Usman’s reign as champion with a kick to the head and neck in the fifth round of UFC 278 in Salt Lake City in August.
The fight was a nail-biter, with both fighters putting up a tough and intense fight. However, it was Edwards who emerged victorious once again.
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