UFC 286 press conference LIVE: Highlights as Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman face off

Re-live updates from London, where Edwards defends the welterweight belt against Usman on Saturday

Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman headline UFC 286

The UFC 286 press conference took place in London on Thursday (16 March), as Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman came face to face ahead of their main-event clash.

Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, taking the welterweight title from the Nigerian-American in the final minute of their rematch – seven years after losing to Usman on points.

The old foes will square off once more on Saturday, in a trilogy bout at the O2 Arena in London, as Jamaican-born Briton Edwards defends the belt for the first time.

In the co-main event, former lightweight title challenger Justin Gaethje faces rising contender Rafael Fiziev, and both men also appeared at Thursday’s press conference in the English capital.

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

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

• Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman 3 headlines UFC 286 on Saturday
• UFC 286 takes place at the O2 Arena in London
• Champion Edwards and challenger Usman are tied at 1-1
• Edwards knocked out Usman to take the welterweight title in August
• Usman outpointed the Jamaican-born Briton in 2015
• Co-main event sees Justin Gaethje take on Rafael Fiziev

[16 March 2023 17:32 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

Gaethje: “[Fiziev] is the perfect dance partner. We’re gonna blow the roof off [the O2].”

[16 March 2023 17:32 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

Usman can’t hear the next question, as the crowd is chanting, “Headshot, dead!” so loudly (referencing Edwards’ post-fight speech after knocking out the former champion in August).

[16 March 2023 17:30 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

Edwards: “London, what’s up?!”

Cue a roar from the crowd.

“I’m honoured to be here.”

[16 March 2023 17:29 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

Now Leon Edwards emerges to cheers and a “Rocky” chant.

[16 March 2023 17:29 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

Kamaru Usman arrives on stage now, ignoring the boos of the fans in attendance.

[16 March 2023 17:29 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

Rafael Fiziev is out next, followed by opponent Justin Gaethje.

[16 March 2023 17:28 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

UFC commentator Jon Anik has just arrived on stage to host the press conference!

[16 March 2023 17:25 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

[16 March 2023 17:15 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

The UFC 286 press conference has been delayed slightly, but we’re expecting it to get under way very shortly. Don’t go anywhere!

In fact, check out our interview with Leon Edwards while you wait:

[16 March 2023 17:08 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 press conference LIVE

A reminder that the four participants at this press conference will be Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and both halves of the co-main event: Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev.

Former interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (Getty Images)