UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman result and reaction
Follow live updates as Leon Edwards defends the welterweight title against Kamaru Usman, after Justin Gaethje faces Rafael Fiziev
Leon Edwards retained his welterweight title against Kamaru Usman on Saturday, outpointing his rival in the main event of UFC 286 at London’s O2 Arena.
Jamaican-born Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, taking the belt from the Nigerian-American to become Britain’s second ever UFC champion. For Edwards, the result also marked revenge for a points loss to Usman in 2015, meaning Saturday’s main event rounded out a trilogy between the pair.
And Edwards made it 2-1 against his old foe, emerging from the O2 as a majority-decision winner after a tense clash in front of a raucous crowd.
In the co-main event, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje edged past Rafael Fiziev, in a fight that was almost guaranteed to steal the show – and did just that.
Re-live updates and see all results from UFC 286, below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 1
Another wild exchange! Dolidze is winging his right overhand, but he’s landing! Vettori has a great chin, though, as he’s proven in the past.
What a round.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 1
More leg kicks from Vettori, who kicks inside then outside on Dolidze’s lead leg.
Dolidze is the one coming forward, though. A right hook lands for the Georgian now.
Another smacking inside leg kick from Vettori. We have a pause in the action, after Vettori kicks a little too close to the groin...
(Side note: Tom Holland Jason Statham are in attendance – more Hollywood stars.)
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 1
Lots of leg kicks from Vettori early on. “Oh, Marvin Vettori!” is the chant in the O2 Arena.
He tries a couple of lunging left hooks from southpaw. Now Dolidze lands a hard left hook, then pours on more against the fence!
Vettori laughs them off! This is wild already!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Here comes Vettori, who is the crowd favourite here.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
In the building tonight:
Chelsea FC’s Mason Mount, snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan, Hollywood actor Miles Teller, Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas, and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
So, first up on the main card will be a middleweight clash between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze.
Italian Vettori is a former title challenger, while Georgia’s Dolidze is a rising contender on a four-fight win streak.
Three of Dolidze’s four recent wins have been KO/TKOs.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Here’s a look at the main card, in reverse running order:
Leon Edwards (C) vs Kamaru Usman 3 (welterweight title)
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev (lightweight)
Gunnar Nelson vs Bryan Barberena (welterweight)
Jennifer Maia vs Casey O’Neill (women’s flyweight)
Marvin Vettori vs Roman Dolidze (middleweight)
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