Leon Edwards retains welterweight title with decision victory over Kamaru Usman

Leon Edwards won the first defence of his world welterweight title by majority decision in his trilogy fight with Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 in London.

Edwards, who avenged his unanimous points defeat to Usman in 2015 with a stunning head-kick knockout in their second encounter to claim the title last August, landed the cleaner blows as their third fight went the distance.

Billed as the biggest mixed martial arts fight in UK history, the judges at the O2 Arena scored it 48-46, 48-46, 47-47 in Birmingham-based Edwards’ favour.

AND STILL!!! LEON SILENCES THE DOUBTERS!!!! #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/kPEEGQChss

— UFC (@ufc) March 19, 2023

It was the first time a British UFC fighter has defended a world title in this country since Michael Bisping in 2016.

Edwards made an encouraging start, connecting with two heavy body kicks in the opening round.

The 31-year-old’s greater speed unsettled Usman, but the challenger took Edwards down briefly in round two before both fighters traded some heavy blows.

Usman grappled Edwards to the floor again early in the third and the latter was docked a point for grabbing the fence.

The champ makes the calls these days