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Leon Edwards successfully defends his UFC welterweight title with a majority-decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 in London.
Leon Edwards has recorded a majority-decision victory over Kamaru Usman to successfully defend his UFC welterweight title at UFC 286 in London.
Last year, Edwards pulled off one of the great comeback wins to dethrone the long-time champion, and it set up the chance to host the trilogy fight between the pair in England.
Usman was the clear favourite to regain the belt that he lost when he was knocked out in shocking circumstances, but Edwards found a way to largely nullify his threat.
On numerous occasions, the Nigerian legend was successful with takedowns, yet Edwards was equally as impressive in repelling the ground attacks which followed, even if an intentional cage-grab led to a point being docked.
When the pair fought freely, Edwards was the better fighter, frequently connecting with leg kicks which caused damage without ever coming close to stopping Usman.
AND STILL!!! LEON SILENCES THE DOUBTERS!!!! #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/kPEEGQChss
— UFC (@ufc) March 19, 2023
Aside from takedowns and the point deduction, Usman had his own striking success, but there was an efficiency about how Edwards went about his offence that was always going to impress the judges.
Edwards was ultimately given the verdict by scorecards of 48-46 with two officials, the other scoring it 47-47.
Colby Covington, the number two ranked fighter in the division, is now in line to challenge Edwards in his next bout, which is expected to take place in the United States.
On the undercard, Justin Gaethje edged out Rafael Fiziev in a thriller over three rounds, the clash being deemed to be the fight of the night after the American withstood the aggressive style of his opponent to take a majority decision.
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