UFC 286: Leon Edwards Defeats Kamaru Usman By Majority To Retain Welterweight Title

Leon Edwards retained his welterweight title by defeating challenger Kamaru Usman by majority decision at UFC 286, extending his undefeated streak to 12 in his first title defense.

The judges scored the trilogy’s fight at London’s O2 Arena 48-46, 48-46, 47-47 in favor of the Briton, who took a distant and cleaner blow in the third fight .

“I knew I could go out there and get a shot of him,” Edwards said.

This was the third meeting more than seven years after the first battle, which Usman won.

Edwards got off to a strong start by connecting with two heavy body kicks in the opening round. The 31-year-old’s speed unsettled Usman, but both fighters exchanged heavy blows after the challenger briefly defeated Edwards in the second round.

Usman grappled Edwards to the floor again early in the third round, and Edwards docked a point to grab the fence.

A similar pattern unfolded in the fourth, which was equally tight, with Edwards trying to keep his distance and Usman trying to get closer.

Edwards avoided two more takedown attempts in the final round and caught Usman with an uppercut, but was hit in the body as his title defense was on the wire.

Edwards kicked the Nigerian head and neck in the fifth round of UFC 278 in Salt Lake City in August, ending Usman’s long reign as champion.

“I think it was enough to win the game,” Usman, 35, said. BT Sports After defeat. “It’s not over yet.”

He also showed great sportsmanship when talking about Edwards’ victory. Let’s meet again.

“I have always admired him for everything he has achieved. He is just like me. It is in his blood. A wonderful man.”