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
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Gunnar Nelson def. Bryan Barberena via first-round submission (armbar, 4:51).
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Nelson vs Barberena – Round 1
Nelson briefly seeks an Americana, then looks for an arm-triangle choke...
Barberena keeps moving from underneath, scooting away from the fence.
Now Nelson transitions into an armbar, however... and he gets the tap!!
Nelson submits Barberena!
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Nelson vs Barberena – Round 1
Eventually Nelson is able to lift Barberena and dump him to the canvas!
He’s straight into half-guard, with Barberena lying along the fence.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Nelson vs Barberena – Round 1
Nelson is in his usual, bouncing, orthodox stance; Barberena with plenty of feints from his southpaw stance.
Nelson is light on his feet, hopping out of range. The crowd starts the clap that Iceland fans made popular during Euro 2016, showing their support of Nelson.
Nelson grabs Barberena against the fence and looks to seal a trip. Decent defence from Barberena so far, though.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Alright, next up: Gunnar Nelson takes on American Bryan Barberena at welterweight!
Iceland’s Nelson is a former teammate of Conor McGregor, and he is an adopted son of the UK.
UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman
Jennifer Maia def. Casey O’Neill via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
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