UFC 268 LIVE: Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington result plus Rose Namajunas and Justin Gaethje reaction tonight
Follow all the fallout from Madison Square Garden
Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington again contested a classic for the UFC welterweight title on Saturday night, with Usman outpointing his rival to retain the belt against him for a second time.
Two years after Usman stopped Covington in the fifth round of one of the most competitive title fights in UFC history, the Nigerian-American again put the gold on the line against the Floridian this weekend. And in the main event of UFC 268, in a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York City, Usman again overcome Covington in a thrilling encounter. The fight went to the judges’ scorecards and, although a draw was conceivable – even a narrow Covington victory – Usman was declared the winner via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).
In the evening’s co-main event, strawweight Rose Namajunas also retained her title on points, beating Weili Zhang 48-47, 47-48, 49-46 for a split-decision victory. Earlier this year, Namajunas became a two-time strawweight champion by stopping Zhang via first-round head kick, but the Chinese star gave a much better account of herself in New York City, arguably unfortunate not to get the nod on the judges’ scorecards.
Earlier in the night, Justin Gaethje outpointed Michael Chandler, with the main-card opener somehow over-delivering. Gaethje’s meeting with fellow lightweight contender Chandler was expected by many fans to play out as fight of the night, yet somehow the contest was even more competitive and brutal than anticipated. A fine start by Chandler gave way to a second round in which the former Bellator champion was dropped by Gaethje, though Chandler would survive and go on to hurt his fellow American numerous times in a valiant losing effort.
Re-live updates from the UFC 268 prelims and main card, below.
UFC 268 – Namajunas vs Zhang
The fighters touch gloves and we’re under way!
UFC 268 – Namajunas vs Zhang
Zhang’s defeat by Namajunas in April saw the Chinese star’s 21-fight win streak come to an end. She enters this bout with a 21-2 record.
Namajunas, meanwhile, is 10-4. She enters on the back of two straight victories.
Boos for Zhang in NYC.
UFC 268 – Namajunas vs Zhang
Zhang out first, looking happy and relaxed. Now the champion Namajunas, looking focused – and a little nervous actually...
She repeatedly mouths “I’m the best,” the phrase she repeated during the fighter introductions in April, moments before she stopped Zhang.
UFC 268 – Namajunas vs Zhang
Namajunas is no stranger to a rematch.
The American dethroned Joanna Jedrzejczyk in this very building in 2017 with a first-round KO, before outpointing the Pole in their rematch – a five-round war.
Namajunas then lost the belt in 2019 after being dumped on her head by Jessica Andrade, but beat the Brazilian via decision in a close, three-round rematch.
Now, she rematches Zhang. If the trend is anything to take guidance from, this one should go much longer than the pair’s first meeting...
UFC 268 – Namajunas vs Zhang
Next up is the co-main event!
Rose Namajunas defends her strawweight title against Weili Zhang.
Namajunas became a two-time champion in the division by stopping Zhang with a first-round head kick in April, and the Chinese star will herself look to regain the belt in this instant rematch.
UFC 268 – Vera def. Edgar
Marlon Vera def. Frankie Edgar via third-round KO (front kick, 3:50).
UFC 268 – Edgar vs Vera
Round 3
Lots of pressure from Vera in this round.
Edgar throwing combinations up top to try to keep his opponent at bay.
The American catches a kick and takes down Vera, who is right back to his feet and separating himself from Edgar.
OH! STOPPAGE!
Vera lands a beautiful front kick to the face and Edgar drops to the mat! Vera follows up with some clean strikes, and the fight is stopped!
Edgar is frustrated, but it was the right call.
UFC 268 – Edgar vs Vera
Round 2
Vera grabs Edgar by the back of the head and lands a good knee to the face!
A back elbow appears to stun Edgar late in the round!
Edgar appeared to have that one in the bank, but his opponent came on strong late on...
The pair exchange stern words after the buzzer, and Vera puts his middle finger up at Edgar!
UFC 268 – Edgar vs Vera
Round 2
Edgar with a right hook to the body and left hook to the head. Vera pressing forward anyway.
Edgar with a well-timed takedown! Again he’s on top, again Vera tries for some up-kicks...
Edgar back into Vera’s guard, but the Ecuadorian initiates a scramble and does so well to get free.
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