UFC 268 LIVE: Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington result plus Rose Namajunas and Justin Gaethje reaction tonight

Follow all the fallout from Madison Square Garden

UFC 268: Usman Vs. Covington 2

Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington again contested a classic for the UFC welterweight title on Saturday night, with Usman outpointing his rival to retain the belt against him for a second time.

Two years after Usman stopped Covington in the fifth round of one of the most competitive title fights in UFC history, the Nigerian-American again put the gold on the line against the Floridian this weekend. And in the main event of UFC 268, in a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York City, Usman again overcome Covington in a thrilling encounter. The fight went to the judges’ scorecards and, although a draw was conceivable – even a narrow Covington victory – Usman was declared the winner via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46).

In the evening’s co-main event, strawweight Rose Namajunas also retained her title on points, beating Weili Zhang 48-47, 47-48, 49-46 for a split-decision victory. Earlier this year, Namajunas became a two-time strawweight champion by stopping Zhang via first-round head kick, but the Chinese star gave a much better account of herself in New York City, arguably unfortunate not to get the nod on the judges’ scorecards.

Earlier in the night, Justin Gaethje outpointed Michael Chandler, with the main-card opener somehow over-delivering. Gaethje’s meeting with fellow lightweight contender Chandler was expected by many fans to play out as fight of the night, yet somehow the contest was even more competitive and brutal than anticipated. A fine start by Chandler gave way to a second round in which the former Bellator champion was dropped by Gaethje, though Chandler would survive and go on to hurt his fellow American numerous times in a valiant losing effort.

Re-live updates from the UFC 268 prelims and main card, below.

UFC 268

• Kamaru Usman (C) def. Colby Covington via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
• Rose Namajunas (C) def. Weili Zhang via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
• Marlon Vera def. Frankie Edgar via third-round KO (front kick, 3:50)
• Shane Burgos def. Billy Quarantillo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Justin Gaethje def. Michael Chandler via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Alex Pereira def. Andreas Michailidis via second-round TKO (jumping knee, 0:18)
• Ian Garry def. Jordan Williams via first-round KO (strikes, 4:59)

[7 November 2021 02:50 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Burgos vs Quarantillo

How do you follow that fight?

Well, to be fair, Shane Burgos often brings the action.

He’s in a featherweight meeting next, with grappling specialist Billy Quarantillo.

[7 November 2021 02:45 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje def. Chandler

Gaethje: “Me and him are living in the wrong time. We should have been fighting to the death in a coliseum.”

[7 November 2021 02:42 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje def. Chandler

Justin Gaethje def. Michael Chandler via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

Unreal fight.

[7 November 2021 02:42 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje vs Chandler

The opponents, who had a bit of venom between them this week, hug for a while here! Respect earned.

[7 November 2021 02:41 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje vs Chandler

Indy Sport has it:

Round 1: Chandler 10-9

Round 2: Gaethje 10-8

Round 3: Gaethje 10-9

[7 November 2021 02:40 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje vs Chandler

Round 3

Both men landing here, but Gaethje doing more damage!

Chandler was ahead in this round, but he might have slipped behind!

A surprisingly quiet end to the round and fight follows...

Indy Sport has it in Gaethje’s favour, but don’t rule out a draw...

[7 November 2021 02:38 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje vs Chandler

Round 3

More low kicks from Gaethje. Right straight for Chandler, jabs by Gaethje.

Chandler presses forward with a series of hooks to the body! An more, good work.

Hook lands to the head for Gaethje, and Chandler beckons him on!

Chandler DUMPS Gaethje to the mat! But Gaethje is quick to get back to his feet.

[7 November 2021 02:34 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje vs Chandler

Round 2

There’s a brief pause late in the round, with referee Mike Beltran stopping the fight as Chandler accidentally grazes Gaethje’s eye.

Boos from the crowd, but Gaethje is okay to resume.

Onto Round 3.

[7 November 2021 02:33 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje vs Chandler

Round 2

Gaethje eventually lets Chandler back to his feet.

The former Bellator champion is hurting but lands a big uppercut to the body.

Uppercut from Gaethje now. Chandler with a right straight!

Gaethje with another leg kick, Chandler tries for a takedown but again it’s denied.

Chandler is still lucid, but he’d bloodied and tired.

[7 November 2021 02:31 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 268 – Gaethje vs Chandler

Round 2

Chandler’s lead leg looks beaten up. Gaethje is still attacking it.

Some “let’s go, Chandler” chants, which are met with boos.

Gaethje backs up Chandler to the fence, but then steps back.

KNOCKDOWN! Huge uppercut from Gaethje!

Somehow Chandler is still in this, holding onto his opponent’s legs...