UFC 286 fight results, highlights as Leon Edwards sets up Colby Covington bout with Kamaru Usman win

Ben Miller

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UFC 286 fight results, highlights as Leon Edwards sets up Colby Covington bout with Kamaru Usman win image

LONDON, O2 ARENA - UFC president Dana White said Leon Edwards will defend his title against Colby Covington after retaining his UFC welterweight crown by beating Kamaru Usman in the trilogy bout between the pair at UFC 286 in London.

Controversial Covington was the surprise backup fighter for the headline showdown at the O2 Arena and watched on as the Briton's cleaner shots and escapes from pre-fight favourite Usman's takedowns proved decisive in his majority triumph on the scorecards.

Former interim champion Covington, who lost to Usman in 2019 and 2021, dismissed both fighters as "idiots" and said he would be willing to step into the cage at a moment's notice – but Edwards seemed bemused and said he would decide his next defence after a deserved win when his only moment of concern was a one-point deduction for holding the cage.

"That man has sat out for two years," Edwards said afterwards, speaking to BT Sport about Covington's characteristically colourful presence by the cage following a prolonged absence from action. "I might take a little trip to Miami and see what's going on there.

"I know it was a close fight so I knew I had to land the cleaner shots. [Usman] didn't land many clean on me. He just had lots of pressure."

In a tight bout between the pair who first met when Usman prevailed in 2015, neither man could repeat a finish as spectacular as the head kick with which Edwards took the belt from 'The Nigerian Nightmare' in 2021.

In the co-main event, Justin Gaethje won a battle of striking to claim a surprise win against Rafael Fiziev, using his considerable experience against the Muay Thai specialist before speaking of his desire to avenge his first-round submission defeat to Charles Oliveira in May 2022.

Elsewhere on the card, Scottish flyweight Casey O'Neill lost for the first time in the UFC with a decision defeat against Brazilian Jennifer Maia, while Gunnar Nelson beat welterweight rival Brian Barberena by first-round submission and Marvin Vetorri took a decision against Roman Dolidze.

Covington next for Edwards?

UFC president Dana White said after the fight that Colby Covington will be Edwards' next opponent "no matter what happens", handing the American a third title shot following his two fruitless shots at dethroning Usman.

Provocative Covington has not fought since beating Jorge Masvidal in March 2022 but his confirmation as backup and weigh-in on Thursday sent a late stir through the buildup to the latest UFC episode in London.

It is a measure of Covington's litany of incendiary incidents that the American's tastelessly acrimonious antics across his two fights with Usman are considered par for the course in the context of his career.

Arriving at UFC 286 in a flamboyant suit, the 35-year-old pulled out the playbook to lambast his rivals and the lack of interest around the sport without his involvement, as well as criticising the UK and claiming he had been given a day's notice to head to the bout.

Tellingly, Covington said that he would "come out to play" because he wanted to make the UFC as much money as possible by taking on fights that would bring in the largest financial rewards.

That could explain why White was so unequivocal in his announcement that Covington will have the next shot at Edwards in an event that is guaranteed a smack-talking build-up whether Edwards wants that or not.

"You could tell Leon has worked on defending takedowns but he hasn't fought anyone like me who can mix it up and is a southpaw," Covington told the broadcaster after Edwards' win.

"I'm going to do the job on American soil. Let's get it on in July on International fight week. We need to put it on that week – it makes sense."

'He hasn't been active'

Edwards is now on a 12-fight unbeaten run since he was beaten by Usman via decision in his second UFC bout in 2015.

Having suggested beforehand that he would send Usman into retirement, the Jamaica-born Brummie produced another impressive performance to largely limit Usman's strengths.

When he was asked about Covington's credentials, Edwards preferred to talk about the likes of Belal Muhammad, the contender against whom he shared a no-contest in 2021 because of an accidental eye poke.

He emphasised that "anyone can get it", and Covington's profile could give the 31-year-old the kind of paydays he wants during the rest of his career – but he is clearly unimpressed by his slated opponent.

"I don't know how that makes sense," said Edwards about the mooted title fight. "He's sat out for a year and a half.

"He hasn't been active and fighting. I had to have 12 fights to get here. Colby hasn't been fighting."

Edwards also spoke about his tough upbringing in Jamaica and Birmingham, living in a one-bedroom home with a zinc roof before moving to the UK as a child.

"I was a kid raised in Jamaica. My dad was involved in gang rivalries and my mum raised us as a single mum," he said of some of the challenges the family overcame.

"It's a great story to tell one day. It means the world to me."

The Sporting News provided results and highlights from UFC 286.

MORE: UFC 286 star Gunnar Nelson: Training partner Conor McGregor to destroy Michael Chandler in return fight

UFC 286: Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 results, highlights

Round 5

This has been a tricky fight to score. Could the point deduction come in? Leon Edwards might have retained his title - just - but that could look a silly assessment in a moment or two.

Both fighters have tired in this fifth round. Edwards lands with a decent shot but Kamaru Usman fires in a right that rocks his opponent's head and hammers in an elbow up close.

Edwards springs to his feet again after Usman attempts his latest takedown. Both fighters raise their hands as they head away from centre stage, then exchange a meek handshake as they await the scorecards.

Leon Edwards wins by majority decision! The Briton keeps the belt! Thanks for following our live coverage – we'll have a report and analysis at the top of this page shortly.

Unofficial SN scorecard: Leon Edwards 8-10 Kamaru Usman (47-46)

Round 4

Kamaru Usman evades an attempt by Leon Edwards to mount him after the champion stalks him at the start of the fourth round.

Usman is throwing out jabs but being kept in check by Edwards' kicks, then succeeds - briefly - with a takedown.

Edwards returns to his feet and socks in a hook before Usman tries to take him down again without success. 'Rocky' is springing back to his feet each time, absorbing the takedowns well – as he did in the latter rounds of the second fight between this pair.

Unofficial SN scorecard: Leon Edwards 10-9 Kamaru Usman (39-36)

Round 3

Potentially huge moment! Herb Dean sees Leon Edwards hanging on to the fence as Kamaru Usman tries to bring him down.

The referee takes a quick look at a replay and then, with admirable courage in this arena, deducts the champion a point. It didn't look a particularly contentious call.

It's been a bit of a stop-start fight with Dean having to repeatedly interject. Usman's corner urge their man to rush at Edwards, who's a picture of intense concentration on the back foot.

Unofficial SN scorecard: Leon Edwards 9-9 Kamaru Usman (29-27)

Round 2

Kamaru Usman keeps trying to close the distance but Leon Edwards has the better of the round, picking his strikes judiciously and playing a patient game.

Then Edwards follows up a knee with some painful body shots, but Usman hits back and pins his man down.

Usman looks for the back - Edwards knows he needs to stay off the ground - and doesn't get it. The home crowd cheer as he returns to his feet, then is pinned to the fence but stays upright, both men shooting as they go.

Unofficial SN scorecard: Leon Edwards 10-9 Kamaru Usman (20-18)

Round 1

Edwards came into the ring making a gunshot gesture to his head. That bravado was not unfounded on the evidence of the first round.

A head kick draws a collective intake but doesn't connect to effect, then the referee has a word with Edwards for holding. Usman is sizing him up but can't close in.

Edwards has also been profiting from body shots. The home crowd are loving this – but it's as tight as you'd have expected beforehand.

Unofficial SN scorecard: Leon Edwards 10-9 Kamaru Usman

23:35 GMT: An intriguing start, and a very promising one for Leon Edwards, who is succeeding with kicks. On commentary, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping is impressed.

23:30 GMT: A huge roar as Leon Edwards makes his way to the ring! The introductions are being made. Almost everyone is on their feet.

23:20 GMT: Next up – the trilogy, the title fight, the main event. Kamaru Usman is dancing as he heads to the ring in a black and blue jacket. He looks loose!

Here's Gaethje's moment of victory.

23:08 GMT: Justin Gaethje beats Rafael Fiziev on points! We have an upset after an all-action fight!

23:00 GMT: Look who's here...

22:53 GMT: It's been a blistering start between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. Favourite Fiziev probably shaded the first round.

22:40 GMT: Justin Gaethje against Rafael Fiziev is minutes away. This is going to be a co-main to savour.

22:30 GMT: Conor McGregor teammate Gunnar Nelson beats Brian Barberena by submission!

This one ended with the Icelander mounting Nelson and trapping him in an armbar, forcing him to tap out.

22:20 GMT: Jennifer Maia wins it!

22:15 GMT: Rafael Fiziev is preparing to take on Justin Gaethje in the co-headline event tonight. The Azerbaijani starts as favourite.

22:00 GMT: Colby Covington is in the building. He's just eviscerated UFC 286 headliners Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman, compared his potential involvement to the Revolutionary War, claimed the 2021 US elections were rigged against close friend Donald Trump and insulted British women in his role as backup fighter for the event.

Here's how he weighed in yesterday, which he says he did at a day's notice.

21:45 GMT: Marvin Vettori beats Roman Dolidze by decision! Fourth-ranked middleweight Vettori fought smart against his former training partner in a hard-to-call fight, edging it by avoiding trading too often with the feared Georgian.

Next up: a flyweight bout between Jennifer Maia and Casey O'Neill!

21:30 GMT: The main card is under way, with Marvin Vettori and Dolidze into the third round of their tear-up.

21:05 GMT: Jack Shore beats Makwan 'Mr Finland' Amirkhani! There were a few Finns brandishing a flag at the weigh-in here at the O2 who won't be happy with that result.

20:35 GMT: Chris Duncan beats Omar Morales by decision in a back-and-forth fight!

Meanwhile, Muhammad Mokaev says he thought about tapping out during that gruesome kneebar. He attended the post-fight press conference on crutches.

20:10 GMT: Look away now if you're of a delicate disposition. Sam Patterson suffered a shuddering defeat to Yanal Ashmoz.

19:45 GMT: Hugely popular prospect Muhammad Mokaev escaped a submission defeat... and scored a late win by the same method. Wow!

19:20 GMT: Lerone Murphy edged to a split decision over Gabriel Santos, winning 29-28 on two cards and losing by the same scoreline on the other.

19:00 GMT: Here's how Veronica Hardy celebrated her win over Juliana Miller – three years and four days after she retired from MMA with concussion issues.

18:30 GMT: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' coverage of UFC 286, live from the O2 Arena in London!

Let's go through the early results so far:

Veronica Hardy def. Juliana Miller by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jai Herbert and Ludovit Klein share a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Joanne Wood def. Luana Carolina by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Jake Hadley def. Malcolm Gordon by TKO (strikes) at 1:01 of Round 1
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Dusko Todorovic by TKO (injury) at 1:52 of Round 1
Lerone Murphy def. Gabriel Santos via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

When is UFC 286: Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3? 

  • Date: Saturday, March 18 | Sunday, March 19
  • Early FIGHT PASS Prelims: 1 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. GMT | 4 a.m. AEDT
  • Prelims: 3 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. GMT | 6 a.m. AEDT
  • Main card: 5 p.m. ET | 9 p.m. GMT | 8 a.m. AEDT
  • Main event: 8 p.m. ET | 12 a.m. GMT | 11 a.m. AEDT (approx.) 

UFC 286 takes place on Match 18. The FIGHT PASS prelims will begin at around 1 p.m. ET. The prelims will go live at 3 p.m. ET and the main card starts at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. Edwards and Usman should make their way to the octagon around 8 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.

MORE: How to bet UFC 286: Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3

How to watch UFC 286: Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3

Country Date Channel + Live Stream (main card)
United States Sat. March 18 ESPN+, ESPN PPV
Canada Sat. March 18 BELL, Rogers, Shaw, SaskTel,  Videotron, Telus, Eastlink, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass
United Kingdom Sat. March 18 BT Sport
Australia Sun. March 19 Main Event, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass

The main card for UFC 286 is available in the U.S. and Mexico on the ESPN+ subscription streaming service for a pay-per-view cost. Earlier fights are viewable live on ESPN+. 

In Canada, the main card pay-per-view is available on BELL, Rogers, Shaw, SaskTel, Videotron, Telus, Eastlink, and UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass.

In the United Kingdom, the main card will be available on BT Sport, with the prelims on UFC Fight Pass. 

In Australia, the main card will be on Main Event, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV, and UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass.

MORE: Dana White confirms next opponent for Jon Jones

Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 price: How much does UFC 286 cost? 

  • $79.99 (current ESPN+ subscribers)
  • $124.98 (new subscribers)

In the U.S., the UFC 286 main card is available via pay-per-view on ESPN+, which also requires a subscription. The PPV price for UFC 286 is $79.99 for current subscribers. New subscribers can pay a bundle price of $124.98 for the UFC 286 pay-per-view and an ESPN+ annual subscription, which offers savings of more than 30 percent.

BT Sport Box Office will charge £19.99 to access live coverage of the card. The buying window opens on March 10.

MORE: Sign up to watch the UFC 286 PPV, exclusively on ESPN+

Product Prices
ESPN+ Monthly Subscription $9.99/month
ESPN+ Annual Subscription $99.99/year
The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported $13.99/month
The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads $19.99/month
UFC PPV Standalone $74.99 each
UFC PPV Package (UFC PPV & ESPN+ Annual) $99.98, then $69.99/year
UFC PPV & The Disney Bundle

$88.98, then $13.99/month

Click here to learn about the different pricing and bundling options with the ESPN+ platform.

UFC 286 results

Main card

  • Leon Edwards def. Kamaru Usman 3 for the UFC welterweight title 
  • Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev; Lightweights
  • Gunnar Nelson def. Bryan Barberena; Welterweights
  • Jennifer Maia def. Casey O'Neill; Flyweights
  • Marvin Vettori def. Roman Dolidze; Middleweights

Prelims

  • Jack Shore def. Makwan Amirkhani, Featherweights
  • Yanal Ashmoz def. Sam Patterson; Lightweights
  • Chris Duncan def. Omar Morales; Lightweights
  • Muhammad Mokaev def. Jafel Filho; Flyweights

FIGHT PASS Prelims 

  • Lerone Murphy def. Gabriel Santos; Featherweights
  • Christian Leroy Duncan def. Dusko Todorovic; Middleweights
  • Jake Hadley def. Malcolm Gordon; Flyweights
  • Joanne Wood def. Luana Carolina; Flyweights
  • Jai Herbert draws with Ludovit Klein; Lightweights
  • Veronica Hardy def. Juliana Miller; Flyweights

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Ben Miller

Ben Miller Photo

Ben Miller has been writing about sport for 25 years, following all levels of football as well as boxing, MMA, athletics and tennis. He’s seen five promotions, three relegations, one World Cup winner and home games in at least three different stadiums as a result of his lifelong devotion to Brighton & Hove Albion. His main aim each week is to cover at least one game or event that does not require a last-minute rewrite.