Tonight’s UFC 296 event features a highly anticipated welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.
Leon Edwards
Leon Edwards, known as “Rocky,” is the current UFC Welterweight Champion and holds a professional record of 21 wins, 3 losses, and 0 draws. Edwards has shown a well-rounded fighting style, with 7 victories by knockout and 3 by submission. He is known for his striking accuracy and defensive skills, with a significant strike defence of 54% and a takedown defence of 69%. His most notable victories include a majority decision win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 in March 2023, where he retained his UFC welterweight title, and a knockout win against Usman at UFC 278 in August 2022, where he claimed the title. Edwards has shown significant improvement in his fighting skills over the years, particularly in his takedown defence and striking on the feet. He utilises feints and manages distance extremely well, and has historically done well against wrestlers.
Colby Covington
Colby Covington enters the bout with a record of 17 wins and 3 losses. Covington, known as “Chaos,” is recognised for his high-pressure fighting style and wrestling background. He has 4 wins by knockout and 4 by submission. Covington’s most recent fight was a unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal in March 2022. Before that, he lost to Kamaru Usman in a title fight in November 2021. Covington’s ability to blend striking with wrestling has made him a top contender in the welterweight division. His out-of-the-cage antics have catapulted him to being one of the biggest stars in the UFC. His comments at the pre-fight press conference have certainly sold the fight, and he will need to back his words up against the formidable champion.
Fight Analysis
The matchup between Edwards and Covington is a clash of styles, with Edwards’ technical striking and Covington’s wrestling-based pressure fighting. Edwards will look to utilize his feints, distance control and striking skills and keep the fight standing, while Covington will likely aim to use his wrestling to control the fight and wear down Edwards. This title bout presents an intriguing contest between two of the top welterweights in the UFC. There is bad blood in the air and whoever channels that energy for good will be the victor in this fight.
Official Results & Highlights
Here we go!!! MAIN EVENT TIME!!!
Round 1 – A cagey opener. Colby looks tentative. Leon looks controlled. Not too much action. A weak takedown attempt from Covington is stuffed by the champion. Leon lands a couple of nice left hands and controlled the octagon. Very little action but likely a round to the champion.
Round 2 – Another lackluster round. Colby is throwing from out of range and every time he steps in Leon tags him. Some nice leg kicks from Leon steal the round. You’ve got to think the champ is 2-0 up here. Colby is going to need to push this.
Round 3 – Colby shoots immediately, but Leon defends and tags Colby on the way in. Colby gets the takedown but Leon stands back up and lands a head-kick on the break. Now Leon shoots and takes Colby down. There’s bruising on Covington’s right leg as Leon continues to chop away. Colby isn’t moving too well on that leg. The crowd are not enjoying this. There is very little action but the blame lies with the challenger who as yet, doesn’t seem to even be getting a look in.
Round 4 – Colby shoots for a takedown. Leon stuffs it and looks for the guillotine. Colby rolls out and the fight returns to the feet. Leon lands a nice left hand around the guard, it’s very patient a measured from Leon Edwards. Colby reaches for a takedown but again the champion stuffs it. This is not a good fight.
Round 5 – Final round… finally. Leon lands a high kick. Colby secures a takedown, he needs to go with everything he has now. Leon is back up and he takes Colby down. Leon had an armbar but he let it slip and now Colby is in top control. Covington needs to work for a finish, he has two minutes. Leon seems happy to stay safe and see the fight out. The commentary team would like Leon to try to escape but he’s switched on, as he has been all fight. He knows he’s ok here and the clock is running down.
Result: Leon Edwards defeats Colby Covington via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Highlights:
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
