UFC 286 press conference LIVE: Highlights as Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman face off
Re-live updates from London, where Edwards defends the welterweight belt against Usman on Saturday
The UFC 286 press conference took place in London on Thursday (16 March), as Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman came face to face ahead of their main-event clash.
Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, taking the welterweight title from the Nigerian-American in the final minute of their rematch – seven years after losing to Usman on points.
The old foes will square off once more on Saturday, in a trilogy bout at the O2 Arena in London, as Jamaican-born Briton Edwards defends the belt for the first time.
In the co-main event, former lightweight title challenger Justin Gaethje faces rising contender Rafael Fiziev, and both men also appeared at Thursday’s press conference in the English capital.
Re-live updates from the UFC 286 press conference, below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Gaethje: “[Fiziev] is the perfect dance partner. We’re gonna blow the roof off [the O2].”
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Usman can’t hear the next question, as the crowd is chanting, “Headshot, dead!” so loudly (referencing Edwards’ post-fight speech after knocking out the former champion in August).
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Edwards: “London, what’s up?!”
Cue a roar from the crowd.
“I’m honoured to be here.”
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Now Leon Edwards emerges to cheers and a “Rocky” chant.
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Kamaru Usman arrives on stage now, ignoring the boos of the fans in attendance.
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Rafael Fiziev is out next, followed by opponent Justin Gaethje.
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
UFC commentator Jon Anik has just arrived on stage to host the press conference!
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
The UFC 286 press conference has been delayed slightly, but we’re expecting it to get under way very shortly. Don’t go anywhere!
In fact, check out our interview with Leon Edwards while you wait:
Leon Edwards: ‘Kamaru Usman is coming into enemy territory’ at UFC 286
Interview: After dethroning Usman in dramatic fashion, Britain’s second ever UFC champion defends the welterweight belt against his rival in London
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