UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman result and reaction

Follow live updates as Leon Edwards defends the welterweight title against Kamaru Usman, after Justin Gaethje faces Rafael Fiziev

Moment Leon Edwards retains UFC title after decision win against Kamaru Usman

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, 47-47)
• 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

[18 March 2023 20:37 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

A great reaction for Shore, as the former bantamweight is introduced by Bruce Buffer.

And we’re under way!

[18 March 2023 20:35 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

“Seven Nation Army” morphs into Oasis’ “Supersonic”. Smooth.

[18 March 2023 20:34 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Now, the final prelim of the night!

Jack Shore takes on “Mr Finland” Makwan Amirkhani, as the Welshman makes his featherweight debut.

Shore emerges to “Seven Nation Army”, to the delight of the London crowd.

[18 March 2023 20:33 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Here’s what Muhammad Mokaev had to say about surviving that scary kneebar in his win over Jafel Filho:

[18 March 2023 20:30 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Chris Duncan def. Omar Morales via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28).

I’m not sure how you can give Morales all three rounds, as one judge did; the Venezuelan surely lost the final frame.

[18 March 2023 20:27 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Duncan vs Morales – Round 3

Morales gives a thumbs-up to Duncan, signalling that he’s still very much in this. The Venezuelan then stands against the fence.

He’s dragged back down. Sweat is leaking off his brow. This could be a crucial round for Duncan, who has controlled his opponent throughout.

With 30 seconds left on the clock, though, Morales is able to stand, and he lands a hard uppercut! He’s swinging for the fences now, but he’s so tired – he’s wobbling as he throws a leg kick!

We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards after Duncan secures one last takedown!

[18 March 2023 20:25 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Duncan vs Morales – Round 3

Duncan has wrist control on his opponent along the cage wall. Now he switches to a body lock, as he neutralises Morales on the mat.

[18 March 2023 20:23 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Duncan vs Morales – Round 3

Final round of a competitive fight. Duncan lands a right hand early, then swings an inside low kick.

Morales loads up with a left hook but misses, then is punished with a one-two to the head!

Morales now drops Duncan to a knee with a leg kick, and the Scot retaliates by again forcing the Venezuelan to the fence.

A scramble ensues, and Duncan will try for a guillotine choke.

[18 March 2023 20:19 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Duncan vs Morales – Round 2

Morales checks a body kick hard by raising his left leg, then points at Duncan to acknowledge that it hurt the Scot.

Now Morales lands a stinging right cross. Duncan gets back to his grappling, driving the Venezuelan to the fence with a double-leg attempt.

[18 March 2023 20:18 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 286 LIVE: Edwards vs Usman

Duncan vs Morales – Round 2

Duncan shoots for a double-leg takeown against the fence. Morales offers some resistance but is soon lifted and slammed to the mat!

He turns to the fence, as Duncan takes his back in a kneeling position. Lots of knees to the body from Duncan, but eventually Morales slips free of his grasp.

The lightweights will trade strikes on the feet now.