UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington fight updates and results tonight
Rio Ferdinand places UFC champion Leon Edwards in chokehold
Leon Edwards will defend the welterweight title towards Colby Covington in the principle occasion of UFC 296 tonight.
Edwards received the belt with a surprising knockout of Kamaru Usman in 2022, earlier than retaining the gold towards his previous foe in London in March. Now the Jamaican-born Briton makes his second title defence, as he faces the controversial Covington.
The American, 35, beforehand held the interim title, however he twice didn’t dethrone Usman – dropping to the “Nigerian Nightmare” by way of TKO in 2019 and on factors in 2021. Covington bounced again every time, nevertheless, most lately dominating Jorge Masvidal for a choice victory.
That win over his friend-turned-rival got here 21 months in the past, nevertheless, and Edwards will look to take advantage of any potential ring rust that Covington has. Edwards, 32, will even look to punish Covington, after the American insulted the champion’s late father at this week’s press convention.
In the co-main occasion, Alexandre Pantoja defends his flyweight belt in a rematch with Brandon Royval, whereas different spotlight bouts embody Paddy Pimblett vs Tony Ferguson and Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. Follow stay updates and results from the prelims, primary card and primary occasion of UFC 296, under.
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Colby Covington remarkably claimed that he felt he had crushed Leon Edwards
(Getty Images)
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:40
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Leon Edwards (left) out-struck and largely out-grappled Colby Covington
(Getty Images)
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:30
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Colby Covington struggles to shut distance to Leon Edwards (proper)
(Getty Images)
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:23
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Covington: “I had a protracted lay-off, I feel that had a bit to do with [the poor performance].
“I need to shout out all the primary responders and Donald Trump, he’s gonna make America nice once more. Trump 2024!
“I really feel nice, it was a straightforward fight. I barely have a scratch on me.”
He vows to come back again in early 2024.
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:20
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Edwards: “This was an emotional fight for me. This man used my dad’s loss of life as leisure, my dad’s homicide as leisure. I attempted to simply shut it down.
“After the pres convention, I went backstage, I used to be crying. To at the present time, it nonetheless breaks my coronary heart. [Covington] stated [my dad] ought to burn in hell.
“He’s a fantastic competitor however a unclean human being.”
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:19
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Leon Edwards def. Colby Covington by way of unanimous resolution (49-46, 49-46, 49-46).
And nonetheless! Never doubtful. Covington is pretending he thinks he was robbed.
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:16
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Covington is making an attempt to flee, however Edwards has a model of a triangle choke… No! Covington escapes!
He’s in Edwards’s guard with half a spherical to go. Now into half-guard.
Covington with punches to the ribs of the champion. Edwards is content material to carry Covington and keep away from any dangers.
Covington is searching for an arm-triangle choke with seconds left…
No! We’ll go to the scorecards. Covington appeals to the gang, motioning that he thinks he has received.
He was dominated for a lot of the fight, although.
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:14
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Final spherical! Covington wants a end. He blocks a excessive kick. Nice counter proper hand by Edwards.
Covington with a single-leg takedown from vary, and he will get it! He forces Edwards to the cage wall.
Edwards stands and seems to be to fight Covington’s grip, which he does, earlier than tripping Covington! This has been a masterclass by Edwards.
He takes Covington’s again.
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:10
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Another takedown try by Covington. Again he’s denied.
Front kick to the physique and left hand by Edwards – lovely.
Referee Herb Dean briefly pauses the motion for an obvious low blow by Edwards, however Covington says it was positive.
Covington with a number of profitable left fingers now! He shoots for one more takedown. There’s a scramble, and he takes the again!
Forty seconds for Edwards to keep away from any submissions or injury… and he reverses the place very well, earlier than standing and partaking in a putting alternate.
Great composure by Edwards. Boos ring across the area.
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:07
UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington
Into the championship rounds. Edwards blocks a head kick. He denies Covington a takedown, however he’s up towards the fence…
D’Arce choke try by Edwards! Covington spins out of it! Front kick to the physique by Edwards.
Clean southpaw cross by Edwards…
Alex Pattle17 December 2023 06:04
