LONDON: Leon Edwards proved his first win over Kamaru Usman was no coincidence as he once again beat the former welterweight king by a majority decision in their trilogy to wrap up UFC 286 at The O2 Arena in London on Saturday.
The Briton put on a strong performance in all five rounds including a huge arsenal of kicks that caused problems for Usman all night long. Though Usman did have his moments, including several takedowns, but he could not exert enough to persuade the judges in his favor.
AND STILL!!! LEON SILENCES THE DOUBTERS!!!! #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/kPEEGQChss
— UFC (@ufc) March 19, 2023
Edwards extended his unbeaten streak to 12 fights in a row as two judges scored 48-46, 48-46 in his favour with one scoring the fight as a draw by 47-47.
Moments after Edwards’ first title defense, UFC boss Dana White confirmed that Colby Covington would be next in line for the Welterweight champ.
In the co-main event Justin Gaethje, dubbed the most entertaining fighter in the UFC, took home a majority decision win over Rafael Fiziev after one of the craziest fights of 2023 that was scored 29-28, 29-28,28-28 in favour of the former interim lightweight champion.
UFC 286 Results
Veronica Hardy beat Juliana Miller by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Jai Herbert and Ludovit Klein fought to a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28).
Joanne Wood defeated Luana Carolina by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28).
Jake Hadley beat Malcolm Gordon by TKO (strikes) in the first round.
Christian Leroy Duncan defeated Dusko Todorovic by TKO (injury) in Round 1.
Lerone Murphy beat Gabriel Santos by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Muhammad Mokaev defeated Jafel Filho by submission in Round 3.
Yanal Ashmouz defeated Sam Patterson by KO (strikes) in Round 1.
Chris Duncan defeated Omar Morales by unanimous decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28).
Jack Shore defeated Makwan Amirkhani by submission (rear-naked choke) in Round 2.
Middleweight, Marvin Vettori defeated Roman Dolidze by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Jennifer Maia won against Casey O’Neill via a unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
Gunnar Nelson defeats Bryan Barberena by submission (armbar) in the first round.
