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
Edwards vs Usman – Round 2
More kicks from Edwards. Now Usman backs him up, but neither fighter is throwing much.
Another good round for Edwards, who troubled Usman with strikes, even though the latter secured a takedown and had some control time.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 2
The pair continue grappling, and again the fight hits the mat. Once again, Usman is controlling Edwards against the cage, but once again the Briton stands.
Usman blocks the head kick that finished him last summer!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 2
The action resumes. A harsh body kick from Edwards, then another.
Usman continues to press forward, though.
Edwards grazes a left hook behind his head, then tags him with a knee to the head in close!! Now another left hook!
Great spell for Edwards! But Usman is able to get a takedown just when he needs it! He has Edwards against the fence, but Edwards stands – the crowd erupts!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 2
A delayed start to Round 2, after Usman comes forward before referee Herb Dean is ready...
Now we're underway again. Usman is still fighting out of the orthodox stance.
Oh, wait... Usman complains again, this time about an alleged kick to the groin. He has done this before and been a tad cheeky in other fights...
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 1
Another hard kick by Edwards, who adds more. A strong opening round by the champion! Usman stares him down after the buzzer!
A great opening five minutes.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 1
Edwards bothers Usman with a hard low kick, then lands a body kick! Usman tries to regain his respect by backing up the champion, who is now forced to defend a takedown attempt along the fence.
Edwards keeps Usman at bay but is warned for holding the challenger's glove! Boos from the crowd
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 1
Forward comes Usman, fighting behind his jab. He tries for a body lock, but Edwards catches him and lands a knee off the break. Still Usman comes forwards. Usman misses with a left hook from an orthodox stance now.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Edwards vs Usman – Round 1
And we’re underway. Cagey opening 30 seconds before a couple of wild punches from the Brit.
Usman crawls towards Edwards then stands. Hard outside low kick by Edwards, as the crowd chants, "Headshot, dead!"
Usman stands southpaw. Lots of feints from both men. More chants from the crowd. Edwards just misses with a left hook as Usman crouches for a takedown attempt, which fails.
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