Again, Leon Edwards beats Kamaru Usman to retain UFC welterweight title

Leon Edwards retained his welterweight UFC title after beating Kamaru Usman by a majority decision at UFC 286 in London.

Edwards, who has not been defeated in 12 UFC fights, successfully defended his title in front of his home crowd by exhibiting superb striking skills and thwarting most of Usman’s takedown attempts.

Despite a close contest, the 31-year-old British fighter emerged victorious over former champion Kamaru Usman in their third meeting, securing the win on points thanks to his superior accuracy in landing cleaner shots.

Judges scored the bout 48-46, 48-46, 47-47 to give Edwards a majority decision.

The O2 Arena was buzzing with excitement in the wee hours of Sunday as the ecstatic audience witnessed Leon Edwards being declared the winner. Billed as the biggest MMA fight in British history, the bout at the electric O2 Arena was a spectacle to behold.

In August, Edwards achieved a stunning victory over Usman, avenging his 2015 defeat to the 35-year-old Nigerian and becoming only the second British UFC champion after Michael Bisping in 2016.

This win prompted the UFC to organize a trilogy fight and its first numbered event in Britain since Bisping’s middleweight title defense against Dan Henderson in Manchester.

The enthralling bout showcased an exceptional display from both fighters, with end-to-end action in London. However, Edwards’ determination shone through, as he narrowly edged out Usman to successfully defend his title for the first time since defeating the Nigerian in August.

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