Leon Edwards retains welterweight belt

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LAS VEGAS, Dec 17 (AP): Leon Edwards successfully defended his welterweight belt Saturday night, unanimously outpointing Colby Covington at UFC 296. In a bout that hardly lived up to its billing, Edwards (22-3) showed poise and patience as he picked his spots to outclass Covington (17-4), beating the former interim champion at his own game. Rather than using his strengths on his feet as a striker, Edwards chose to grapple and counter whenever Covington took shots for a takedown. It was an emotionally charged bout after Covington mentioned Edwards’ deceased father at the final pre-fight press conference.

Edwards lost his father when he was a teenager, as he’s previously explained his dad was shot and killed in a London nightclub during a skirmish over money. Edwards had to be restrained after Covington’s remarks, but he got revenge Saturday night. After entering the arena draped in an American flag, Covington made a pit stop to share a quick word with former President Donald Trump before stepping into the octagon. Trump sat ringside, with UFC CEO Dana White, musician Kid Rock and UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell.

White shot down the rumor that Trump would have put the belt on Covington had he won.
In the co-main event, Alexandre Pantoja (27-5) successfully defended his flyweight belt in his first title defense, winning a unanimous decision over Brandon Royval (15-7).

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