Despite not being the fast-paced fight many anticipated, Leon Edwards efficiently handled business without significant opposition in an emotionally charged bout against Colby Covington.
Following a deeply personal exchange at the pre-fight press conference, it was time for Edwards (22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC) and Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) to settle their dispute inside the cage at the UFC 296 main event held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. After 25 minutes of action, Edwards retained the welterweight title with unanimous scores of 49-46.
The arena echoed with chants for Covington as the initial round unfolded, marked by a cautious approach. Edwards landed a solid left hand, making it the first significant strike of the fight. Covington's first attempt at a takedown was promptly thwarted.
The pace escalated in the early moments of Round 2, with both fighters exchanging strikes. Edwards connected cleanly with a left, but the tempo slowed as Covington circled the perimeter. Edwards intensified his assault with leg kicks while pressing forward. Covington seemed focused on maintaining distance, failing to string together effective combinations.
Covington sought a takedown at the start of Round 3 but slipped during the attempt. The canvas seemed problematic for several fighters that evening. Despite this, Covington managed a successful takedown later in the round, though it was short-lived as Edwards swiftly returned to his feet and executed a takedown of his own. They resumed standing shortly after, engaging in striking exchanges.
Edwards continued scoring with leg kicks, evident in the redness and swelling on Covington’s right leg.
In the early moments of Round 4, Covington attempted another takedown but had to defend against a choke. Edwards regrouped, resumed pressing forward, and landed a solid left hand after leading with a leg kick. Edwards denied Covington’s attempts to take the fight to the ground. In a scramble, Covington briefly gained Edwards’ back but couldn’t capitalize on the position.
Heading into the final round, Edwards simply needed to maintain his strategy to secure his second title defence, with Covington clearly trailing on the scorecards.
Covington secured an early takedown in the final round, but Edwards swiftly regained his feet and executed another takedown. Edwards even managed to position himself on Covington’s back, attempting a triangle armbar. Covington escaped, assuming the top position, but time wasn’t on his side.
All three judges at ringside scored the fight in favour of Edwards.
Main Card
Leon Edwards def. Colby Covington via unanimous decision (49-46 x3)
Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Royval via unanimous decision
Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Stephen Thompson via sub (RNC) (R2, 4:56)
Paddy Pimblett def. Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision
Josh Emmett def. Bryce Mitchell via first-round KO (1:57)
Preliminary Card
Alonzo Menifield def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Irene Aldana def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Cody Garbrandt def. Brian Kelleher via first-round KO (3:42)
Ariane Lipski def. Casey O’Neill via submission (armbar) (R2, 1:18)
Tagir Ulanbekov def. Cody Durden via submission (RNC) (R2, 4:25)
Andre Fili def. Lucas Almeida via first-round TKO (3:32)
Shamil Gaziev def. Martin Buday via second-round TKO (0:56)