December 17, 2023 1:33 am ET
It wasn’t the high-paced battle lots of anticipated, Leon Edwards took care of organization without much resistance in a psychological battle versus Colby Covington.
After things ended up being deeply individual at the pre-fight interview, it was time for Edwards (22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC) and Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) to settle their distinctions inside the cage in the UFC 296 centerpiece at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. After 25 minutes of action, Edwards would keep the welterweight title with consentaneous ratings of 49-46.
Chants for Covington echoed throughout the arena as the feel-out procedure unfolded in the opening round. Edwards broke Covington with a difficult left hand midway through the frame for the very first huge strike of the battle. A minute later on, Covington’s very first takedown effort was quickly packed.
Action started to get in the opening minute of Round 2 with both fighters using strikes. Edwards landed tidy with a left, and things decreased once again as Covington circled around on the exterior. Edwards started digging in leg kicks as he pushed forward. Covington’s offerings appeared to serve just to develop range, as he did not put significant mixes together.
Covington searched for a takedown to begin Round 3, however slipped on the entry. The canvas appeared to offer a number of fighters issues throughout the night. The 2nd effort of the round succeeded for Covington as he had the ability to get Edwards to the mat, although they did not remain on the canvas long. Edwards rapidly went back to his feet and finished a takedown of his own, practically to show a point. They went back to their feet a couple of seconds later on and started opening their striking offense.
Leg kicks from Edwards continued to score, as the soreness and swelling ended up being extremely obvious on Covington’s best leg.
COLBY’S LEG #UFC 296 pic.twitter.com/n0Ys2jY1GG
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 17, 2023
Early in Round 4, Covington shot in for another takedown, however discovered himself needing to draw out of a choke effort. Edwards reset and went back to pushing the action, leading with a leg kick and a strong left hand. Another effort to bring the battle to the ground was rejected by Edwards. A minute later on in a scramble, Covington discovered Edwards’ back for a minute, however was not able to do anything with the position.
Entering into the last round, Edwards simply required to persevere to tape-record his 2nd title defense, as Covington was plainly down on the scorecards.
Covington got a takedown early in the round, however Edwards returned up and when again got a takedown of his own. Edwards even discovered the back of Covington, and tried a triangle armbar. Covington slipped out and took leading position, however time was not on his side.
AND STILL
Leon Edwards maintains the UFC welterweight title following a dominant efficiency at #UFC 296 pic.twitter.com/PaCMiRnV7Y
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 17,
