UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman result and reaction

Leon Edwards retained his welterweight title against Kamaru Usman on Saturday, outpointing his rival in the main event of UFC 286 at London’s O2 Arena.

Jamaican-born Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, taking the belt from the Nigerian-American to become Britain’s second ever UFC champion. For Edwards, the result also marked revenge for a points loss to Usman in 2015, meaning Saturday’s main event rounded out a trilogy between the pair.

And Edwards made it 2-1 against his old foe, emerging from the O2 as a majority-decision winner after a tense clash in front of a raucous crowd.

In the co-main event, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje edged past Rafael Fiziev, in a fight that was almost guaranteed to steal the show – and did just that.

Re-live updates and see all results from UFC 286, below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.

UFC 286 LIVE

• Edwards (C) def. Usman via majority decision (48-46, 48-46, 48-48)

• Watch: O2 Arena erupts as Edwards is revealed as winner over Usman

• Watch: UFC president says Colby Covington is next for Edwards

• Gaethje def. Fiziev via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

• Plus: All the undercard results live from the O2 Arena

• Watch: O2 Arena lights go out as fight is about to start

• Watch: Shore ‘didn’t want to take’ fight because of father’s chemotherapy

• Watch: Mokaev was ‘willing to let knee rip’ in nasty submission

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

01:27 , Alex Pattle

Edwards says he called his mother after tonight’s win, as he did after his victory over Usman in August, but that he was more “excited” this time; “There were no tears.”

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

01:23 , Alex Pattle

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

01:21 , Alex Pattle

Edwards on White saying Covington is next for a title shot: “I don’t see how that makes sense. There have been other guys who’ve been active, haven’t sat out. I feel I should decide who is next.”

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

01:19 , Alex Pattle

Edwards: “I think it just proved how much I’ve improved over the years. I think that showed now that altitude played a big part in my performance [in the second fight with Usman].”

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:49 , Alex Pattle

White says Edwards vs Colby Covington is “the fight to make”.

‘That’s next?’ “Yeah.”

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:47 , Alex Pattle

UFC president Dana White says he didn’t score the main event, but says: “It was a tough fight to score.”

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:32 , Alex Pattle

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:32 , Alex Pattle

Leon Edwards outpoints Kamaru Usman to retain welterweight title at UFC 286

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:18 , Luke Baker

Interesting cards from the three judges there.

Every judge gave Edwards the 1st and 5th rounds and that was crucial with a mix of scores in the middle three rounds and Edwards’ docked point in the 3rd.

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:16 , Luke Baker

Here are the full scorecards from the fight (Edwards score first on each scorecard and Edwards was docked a point in R3)

Judge Ben Cartlidge:

• R1 - 10-9

• R2 - 10-9

• R3 - 9-9

• R4 - 9-10

• R5 - 10-9

• Total 48-46

Judge Chris Lee:

• R1 - 10-9

• R2 - 10-9

• R3 - 8-10

• R4 - 10-9

• R5 - 10-9

• Total 48-46

Judge David Lethaby:

• R1 - 10-9

• R2 - 9-10

• R3 - 8-10

• R4 - 10-9

• R5 - 10-9

• Total 47-47

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:12 , Luke Baker

UFC 286 LIVE: Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:10 , Luke Baker

Edwards pays respect to Usman, and is coy on a fight with Colby Covington.

Usman: "I think I did enough to win the fight, but I knew it was a close fight. Great gameplan [by Edwards]. I'm not done, I'll see him again.

"London, you've got yourselves another guy – a great champion."

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman - Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:08 , Luke Baker

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman - Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman

00:08 , Luke Baker

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:07 , Luke Baker

Leon Edwards (C) def. Kamaru Usman via majority decision (48-46, 48-46, 47-47)

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:07 , Luke Baker

The decision is in.

48-46, 48-46, 47-47. The winner by majority decision is Leon Edwards!

THE BRIT RETAINS! The crowd go wild

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:06 , Luke Baker

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:06 , Luke Baker

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:04 , Luke Baker

WOW! What a title fight that was. Both men leaving it all in the octagon over the full 25 minutes.

It’s the men octagon-side who will decide the outcome now

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:04 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Body kick by Edwards. Usman is denied another takedown.

And it’s over! We'll go to the judges.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:03 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

The crowd is so loud now. Usman... you guessed it, tries for a takedown. He keeps spamming those attempts, but he's only secured three out of about 10 in this fight.

Thirty seconds to go...

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:03 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

One minute left on the clock, as Edwards stands YET AGAIN!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:02 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Body kick by Edwards, then two hooks to the head. Again Usman goes to the well with a takedown attempt, and – for the first time in a while – he gets it!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:01 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Usman knows he's in a bit of trouble, so he tries for a takedown. Once again it's stuffed.

A strong jab lands for Edwards, who is orthodox now. Clean leg kick by the champion.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

00:00 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Teep kick to the body by Edwards. Usman backs him up again. Edwards tries for a head kick, but he doesn't land it clean.

Usman attempts a takedown against the cage wall. Once again he's denied. Lovely uppercut by Edwards, and a head kick that partially lands – the crowd is deafening now!

A great left hook by Edwards, and a knee, and an elbow!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:59 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman - Round 5

Huge roar from the crowd as the final round starts.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:58 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman

We’re about to go into the last round. Indy Sport has Edwards one point ahead, heading into the final round, but it could be the other way.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:57 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 4

Yet again, Edwards stands, and the crowd loves that.

Usman will try again, unsuccessfully. He eats an inside leg kick. Decent uppercut to the head by Edwards.

Nice right cross from Usman in response!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:56 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 4

The inside of Usman’s lead leg has taken some damage. Edwards has landed around 40 leg kicks, so it’s understandable.

Edwards times a leg kick as Usman comes forward, and the former champion trips and falls!

There's a scramble, before the pair stand and separate.

Nice body kick by Edwards. Good right cross from Usman.

Clubbing left hook from Edwards to keep the challenger off of him. Usman just about gets another takedown against the fence.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:55 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 4

It could be even, given that decent round for Usman and Edwards' point deduction.

Outside low kick lands hard for Edwards. He tries to keep moving, to stop himself from being pinned against the fence.

The welterweights trade front kicks to the body, but each man blocks the other's.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:54 , Luke Baker

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:53 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 4

Ok, into round 4 we go. This fight is there for the taking for both men

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:51 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 3

Good takedown defence from Edwards against the fence late in this round. We'll go to the championship rounds.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:50 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 3

Oblique kick by Edwards, then a hard one to the body. Usman says it was too low, but the referee disagrees this time.

More leg kicks by Edwards. Usman tries to stick him with the jab, but the champion is out of range.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:49 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 3

Hard low kick by Edwards. Usman responds in kind. Again Edwards tags the former champion with a low kick.

Usman blocks a front kick to the body; Edwards then does the same.

Now we have ANOTHER pause, as Usman again complains that he was kicked in the groin. It did seem to land there. Edwards has to be careful here.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:47 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 3

Edwards used the fence to stand, and he'll be warned for that. Referee Herb Dean takes a point! That could be crucial!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:46 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 3

Usman is still applying forward pressure. Edwards is staying alert.

Usman backs up the champion and is able to take him down again... Boos from the O2 crowd!

Edwards, with Usman in half-guard, is trying to isolate the challenger's arm. And now Edwards stands – again!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:45 , Luke Baker

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:44 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 2

More kicks from Edwards. Now Usman backs him up, but neither fighter is throwing much.

Another good round for Edwards, who troubled Usman with strikes, even though the latter secured a takedown and had some control time.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:43 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 2

The pair continue grappling, and again the fight hits the mat. Once again, Usman is controlling Edwards against the cage, but once again the Briton stands.

Usman blocks the head kick that finished him last summer!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:41 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 2

The action resumes. A harsh body kick from Edwards, then another.

Usman continues to press forward, though.

Edwards grazes a left hook behind his head, then tags him with a knee to the head in close!! Now another left hook!

Great spell for Edwards! But Usman is able to get a takedown just when he needs it! He has Edwards against the fence, but Edwards stands – the crowd erupts!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:40 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 2

A delayed start to Round 2, after Usman comes forward before referee Herb Dean is ready...

Now we're underway again. Usman is still fighting out of the orthodox stance.

Oh, wait... Usman complains again, this time about an alleged kick to the groin. He has done this before and been a tad cheeky in other fights...

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:39 , Luke Baker

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:38 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 1

Another hard kick by Edwards, who adds more. A strong opening round by the champion! Usman stares him down after the buzzer!

A great opening five minutes.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:36 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 1

Edwards bothers Usman with a hard low kick, then lands a body kick! Usman tries to regain his respect by backing up the champion, who is now forced to defend a takedown attempt along the fence.

Edwards keeps Usman at bay but is warned for holding the challenger's glove! Boos from the crowd

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:35 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 1

Forward comes Usman, fighting behind his jab. He tries for a body lock, but Edwards catches him and lands a knee off the break. Still Usman comes forwards. Usman misses with a left hook from an orthodox stance now.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:34 , Luke Baker

Edwards vs Usman – Round 1

And we’re underway. Cagey opening 30 seconds before a couple of wild punches from the Brit.

Usman crawls towards Edwards then stands. Hard outside low kick by Edwards, as the crowd chants, "Headshot, dead!"

Usman stands southpaw. Lots of feints from both men. More chants from the crowd. Edwards just misses with a left hook as Usman crouches for a takedown attempt, which fails.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:32 , Luke Baker

The usual energetic intros from Bruce Buffer - a proper big-fight feel!

Huge roar for Edwards, not hard to work out who the home crowd are rooting for.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:20 , Alex Pattle

Jamaican-born Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, landing a head kick with one minute left – while down on the scorecards – to take the belt from the Nigerian-American and become Britain’s second ever UFC champion.

For Edwards, the result also marked revenge for a points loss to Usman in 2015, meaning tonight’s main event will round out a trilogy between the pair.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:18 , Alex Pattle

Well, it’s time. Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman, for the UFC welterweight title.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:08 , Alex Pattle

Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28).

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:06 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3

One more rear uppercut for good measure – Gaethje keeps landing them while leaning off-centre – and the American takes down Fiziev to the sound of a MASSIVE roar in the arena!

We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards. A great final round by Gaethje, who seemed to land fewer strikes across the entire fight but do much more damage.

Let’s see how this one is scored...

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:05 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3

Another harsh jab by Gaethje. He lands a brutal uppercut in close, then another, then a hook! Great work.

Another uppercut from the American! And another! Fiziev just won’t go down!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:03 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3

Another body kick by Fiziev; another uppercut from Gaethje, who then evades a front kick.

Stern jab by Gaethje, as the crowd chants his name. Fiziev’s right eye is all sorts of messed up.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:02 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3

Fiziev tags Gaethje hard with a punch while stepping in. He lands more strikes – a real variety – and Gaethje looks dazed...

Still the American gets off shots, though. Front kick by Fiziev, but his opponent is just out of range. Hard body kick by Fiziev, who then clinches and lands knees to the body. Gaethje tries an uppercut, before the pair separate.

Gaethje lands a trio of uppercuts, before attempting a single-leg takedown – unsuccessfully.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 23:00 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 3

Final round, unfortunately!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:59 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 2

It feels like Fiziev has landed more strikes, but his face is sporting more damage – it’s bruised and cut. He puts together a nice combination of punches now, though.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:57 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 2

Spiteful outside low kick by Fiziev. Gaethje absolutely wings a left hook but misses.

Solid hooks by Gaethje now, though, after he blocks a head kick! A brutal knee lands for Fiziev! What a fight!

Gaethje fires back again! Body kick by Fiziev; uppercut and hook by Gaethje.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:55 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 2

The atmosphere is great in here. Fiziev gives Gaethje a thumbs-up; referee Marc Goddard smiles at both fighters.

Again Fiziev takes the centre. Gaethje leans into a head kick, but he somehow seems unperturbed!

Another round of “Ole” rings around the arena. Both lightweights land decent punches, before Fiziev clinches.

A good knee off the break by the Azerbaijani, who then complains of an eye poke. The action will be paused for now.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:53 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 1

Gaethje attempts a takedown, but Fiziev shrugs it off! A rare use of wrestling by Gaethje, who has tremendous pedigree but only ever seems to strike. That’s just his second ever takedown attempt in the UFC.

A huge knee lands for Fiziev as he closes range!! What a fun first round.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:51 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 1

“Ole” sings the crowd! Fiziev with a solid knee to the face in the clinch. Gaethje with a left hook to the head.

Hard leg kicks by Gaethje, but he also keeps ducking his head and winging right hooks without looking.

Teep kick to the body by Fiziev, then another.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:49 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje vs Fiziev – Round 1

Hard leg kick by Gaethje early on. Fiziev has taken the centre of the ring. "Gaethje" is the chant in London.

Harsh body kick by Fiziev, who is pressing forward. Gaethje catches him with a wide left hook. One-two by Fiziev.

Counters by Gaethje! This is a brawl already!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:48 , Alex Pattle

Here we go!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:43 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje is a teammate of Kamaru Usman, who challenges Leon Edwards in the main event tonight.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:43 , Alex Pattle

Fiziev is out first. Now here comes Gaethje.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:42 , Alex Pattle

Meanwhile, Fiziev, 30, is on a six-fight win streak. In three of his last four fights, the Azerbaijani has secured knockouts – beating former champion Rafael dos Anjos, as well as Brad Riddell and Renato Moicano.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:40 , Alex Pattle

Gaethje last fought in May, as he came up short while challenging for the undisputed lightweight title – for the second time in his career.

The American, 34, was submitted by Charles Oliveira in the first round, after being knocked down by the Brazilian.

In 2020, Gaethje won the interim belt by stopping Tony Ferguson, but he failed to obtain the undisputed gold later that year, as he was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:37 , Alex Pattle

Time for the co-main event, some fans’ most-anticipated fight of the night: Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev at 155lbs.

This week, former interim champion Gaethje called himself the most exciting fighter in MMA history – it’s hard to argue against the American.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Fiziev is a fast-rising contender, looking for his biggest win yet.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:34 , Alex Pattle

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:32 , Alex Pattle

Gunnar Nelson def. Bryan Barberena via first-round submission (armbar, 4:51).

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:31 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Barberena – Round 1

Nelson briefly seeks an Americana, then looks for an arm-triangle choke...

Barberena keeps moving from underneath, scooting away from the fence.

Now Nelson transitions into an armbar, however... and he gets the tap!!

Nelson submits Barberena!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:29 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Barberena – Round 1

Eventually Nelson is able to lift Barberena and dump him to the canvas!

He’s straight into half-guard, with Barberena lying along the fence.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:27 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Barberena – Round 1

Nelson is in his usual, bouncing, orthodox stance; Barberena with plenty of feints from his southpaw stance.

Nelson is light on his feet, hopping out of range. The crowd starts the clap that Iceland fans made popular during Euro 2016, showing their support of Nelson.

Nelson grabs Barberena against the fence and looks to seal a trip. Decent defence from Barberena so far, though.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:24 , Alex Pattle

Here we go, Nelson vs Barberena!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:22 , Alex Pattle

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:21 , Alex Pattle

Alright, next up: Gunnar Nelson takes on American Bryan Barberena at welterweight!

Iceland’s Nelson is a former teammate of Conor McGregor, and he is an adopted son of the UK.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:16 , Alex Pattle

Jennifer Maia def. Casey O’Neill via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:15 , Alex Pattle

Maia vs O’Neill – Round 3

O’Neill with a solid front kick to the body, but Maia arrests her momentum by securing a body lock and forcing the Aussie to the fence.

The fight ends with a wild exchange in the middle of the ring!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:13 , Alex Pattle

Maia vs O’Neill – Round 3

Both women’s noses are bloodied now. Two minutes left in this one.

Maia keeps landing a lead uppercut on the lean after slipping O’Neill’s straight punches.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:12 , Alex Pattle

Maia vs O’Neill – Round 3

Final round! (Side note: A huge roar from the crowd as Covington arrives and motions to the fans.)

The pattern of the fight continues, as O’Neill presses forward but struggles to land the shots she wants.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:08 , Alex Pattle

Maia vs O’Neill – Round 2

So far, Maia has fought very well on the back foot. This time she punishes Maia with an uppercut, but she’s been throwing combinations, too.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:05 , Alex Pattle

Maia vs O’Neill – Round 2

Maia slips a cross and lands her own on O’Neill – not for the first time tonight.

Still, O’Neill comes forward, and again she’s made to pay as she eats a counter shot.

Lots of lateral movement from Maia, as O’Neill backs her up against the fence.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:02 , Alex Pattle

Maia vs O’Neill – Round 1

Clean jab for Maia, but O’Neill fires back with a right cross.

Maia catches a kick and looks for a single-leg takedown... but she can only drive the Aussie back to the fence, where O’Neill slips away.

O’Neill just misses with a right cross, and Maia grabs her, pulls her close and knees her to the body.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 22:00 , Alex Pattle

Maia vs O’Neill – Round 1

Lots of forward pressure and volume from O’Neill early, but without the accuracy.

Good head movement from Maia to make the Australian miss. O’Neill is already red around the face, in fact.

Maia lands a slapping outside low kick, as O’Neill misses with a one-two upstairs.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:57 , Alex Pattle

Under way! Maia vs O’Neill!

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:57 , Alex Pattle

Covington backstage: “The food sucks, the weather sucks, and the girls definitely suck.”

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:56 , Alex Pattle

This one pits a former title challenger, in Brazilian Maia, against a rising contender, in Australia’s O’Neill.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:53 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Jennifer Maia and Casey O’Neill clash in a women’s flyweight bout.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:52 , Alex Pattle

Colby Covington, who weighed in as a back-up fighter for the main event yesterday, is speaking to media backstage.

He says he flew to London on a day’s notice and cut 18lbs.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:48 , Alex Pattle

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:42 , Alex Pattle

The crowd wanted Vettori to win, but they actually booed that decision! I guess most people scored it in Dolidze’s favour, as did Indy Sport.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:41 , Alex Pattle

Marvin Vettori def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

That 30-27 is very surprising!! Maybe it was the leg kicks that did it...

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:39 , Alex Pattle

Indy Sport would probably give Dolidze the first and third rounds, and Vettori the middle frame. All 10-9.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:37 , Alex Pattle

Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 3

Good head movement from Vettori to roll under a couple more hooks. Dolidze’s lead leg is showing signs of damage after all of those low kicks he’s received.

Still, he backs up Vettori with more heavy punches.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:35 , Alex Pattle

Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 3

I’d argue this is tied at 19-19, but it’s hard to say.

Again Dolidze backs up Vettori and throws hooks.

Tonight we’ve seen almost no grappling from Vettori, who has controlled many opponents that way in the past.

Dolidze lands two heavy hooks to the head of Vettori.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:33 , Alex Pattle

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:32 , Alex Pattle

Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 2

Dolidze is either grinning or grimacing at Vettori. The Italian continues to beat up Dolidze’s lead leg.

Now the Georgian shoots for a takedown against the fence, but Vettori escapes his clutches and circles away.

Vettori with a left uppercut in close. Dolidze marches forward anyway. He blocks a head kick as Vettori tries to deter him.

Dolidze’s left eye is sporting some real damage now, in particular a cut underneath. It’s hard to tell which offence caused it – perhaps the uppercut...

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:29 , Alex Pattle

Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 2

Another low kick from Vettori, who targets the outside of Dolidze’s lead leg. And again.

Dolidze blocks a body kick. Vettori is trying to fight behind his jab.

Dolidze with one of those winging right overhands again, but it’s blocked.

Now he connects with one, though! Vettori absorbs it well.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:26 , Alex Pattle

Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 1

Another wild exchange! Dolidze is winging his right overhand, but he’s landing! Vettori has a great chin, though, as he’s proven in the past.

What a round.

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Saturday 18 March 2023 21:24 , Alex Pattle

Vettori vs Dolidze – Round 1

More leg kicks from Vettori, who kicks inside then outside on Dolidze’s lead leg.

Dolidze is the one coming forward, though. A right hook lands for the Georgian now.

Another smacking inside leg kick from Vettori. We have a pause in the action, after Vettori kicks a little too close to the groin...

(Side note: Tom Holland Jason Statham are in attendance – more Hollywood stars.)

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