UFC: Edwards Retains Welterweight Title After Beating Usman
Britain’s Leon Edwards retained his welterweight title after scoring a majority decision win in a five-round battle to claim victory against Nigerian Kamaru Usman, at UFC 286 in London’s O2 Arena late on Saturday.
Edwards beat Usman when the two met in Salt Lake City in August last year, knocking the Nigerian out with a spectacular fifth-round head kick to claim the title. However, Usman was quickly granted a re-match.
In the first round, Edwards was on top as he picked his shots and landed heavy body kicks on Usman towards the end of the frame.
Famed for his superb wrestling skills, Usman got Edwards to the mat twice midway through the second round, but each time the Jamaican-born Briton managed to scramble back to his feet.
Usman had his opponent on the ground again early in the third round, and referee Herb Dean deducted a point from Edwards for grabbing the fence as he tried to get back up.
With the two fighters tiring, the fourth round turned into a cagey affair as Usman pressured and Edwards continued to attack the body with kicks, hoping to set up the same head kick finish that finished their previous encounter.
Edwards landed that exact kick twice early in the final round but this time Usman defended well. However, Edwards continued mixing his body shots with some vicious uppercuts and brilliant defensive wrestling to ultimately emerge victories in the thrilling contest.
AND STILL!!! LEON SILENCES THE DOUBTERS!!!! #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/kPEEGQChss
— UFC (@ufc) March 19, 2023
It was a thrilling contest indeed, with Edwards claiming victory over the Nigerian Nightmare in front of his home crowd at the O2 Arena in London.
Usman shared a few words after his defeat in the octagon at UFC 286.
As the changing of the guard is completed, @Usman84kg pays his respects to Leon Edwards 👏 #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/3BBZLCT6Hf
— UFC (@ufc) March 19, 2023
