dwards vs Usman 3 – LIVE!
The UFC returns to London tonight as Leon Edwards takes on Kamaru Usman once again inside the Octagon. The pair will complete a stunning trilogy with the UFC welterweight title at the O2 Arena.
Edwards, from Birmingham, knocked out the previously dominant Usman with a stunning spinning kick at UFC 278 in August to avenge his early loss to the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ in 2015. Time to find out if he can do it all again. Usman was sure to be considered one of the greatest even before that loss and will be desperate for revenge tonight. Still, home support could be a big factor for Edwards.
The biggest UFC event in British history also has a stacked fight card. Marvin Vettori and Jennifer Maia picked up wins, before Justin Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev by majority decision in a thrilling co-main event. Gunnar Nelson put on his best performance against Brian Barberena, winning by submission in the first round. Follow UFC 286: Edwards vs. Usman 3 live below!
Live updates
Kindness from Usman
“I think I did enough to win the fight. I knew it was a close fight.
“Great game plan. I’ve always said it, I knew I’d see Leon again. I’m not done – I’ll see Leon again.
“He had a great gameplan. I’ve always given him props, a lot of respect. London, you’ve got yourself a hell of a guy and a great champion.”
Leon Edwards by split decision!
48-46, 48-46, 47-47.
WINNING BY MAJORITY DECISION… AND STILL!
Leon Edwards has done it!
Edwards v. Usman
Round 5
This takedown defense from Edwards has been absolutely sensational.
Saying this, he came down this time. Osman doesn’t count it yet, and he can’t. Edwards gets back to his feet. Last minute we go! Tough round to score…again.
Elbow attempt from Edwards, but it’s Usman who lets his arm go in the last few seconds. And away they went!
Great fight. I’ve got it 47-47 – could go either way.
Edwards v. Osman
Round 5
Edwards hasn’t attempted a single takedown all fight, Usman goes for it once again. Not much success, and it’s now a 3/10 in that regard. Very good from Edwards.
Uppercut from Edwards, followed by an upper elbow! Big finish, is Usman tired?
Again this is an attempt to get rid of Usman, who seems increasingly gassy. And he can’t pull it off either.
Edwards v. Usman
Round 4
Several leg kicks by Edwards, Osman must be feeling it. The Brit has slowed down a bit this round.
Another takedown attempt from Usman, and it’s great defending again from Edwards to avoid it. All of that has been very impressive with the fight, except for that bar capture.
A lot of pressure is coming from Usman, but Edwards survives the round. Usman may have a goal, but it’s fine on balance.
Edwards v. Usman
Round 4
Two rounds to go. I’ve got it 28-28.
Usman asked to increase the pace from his corner and he is trying to do just that, forcing the pressure a little more.
They both go for the kick at the same time, Usman slips and he does it… up so quickly. Edwards could not take advantage.
Edwards v. Usman
Round 3
Edwards needs to avoid those takedowns. The best moments are coming when he is kicking away.
More complaints from Usman, this is another low blow. The fourth time we encountered a fight. And seconds later, Usman stopped again! This time he was told to continue, though that was fine.
Back-to-back leg kicks from Edwards, quickly followed with a third. Usman pushes Edwards back against the fence, can he get a late takedown in the final 15 seconds of the round?
No he can’t. A score cut for Edwards there, but he could well have saved the round at 9-9.
Edwards v. Usman
Round 3
Edwards told him to stop backing up from his corner and meet Usman at 50-50.
He’s down now but Usman is on top of him – Edwards kicks out of it for the first time in the fight!
Time out again, that looks like a fence grab from Edwards to stop the takedown. And that’s it – Edwards has dropped a point. Big, big moment.
