UFC 296 VIDEO: Leon Edwards Defeats Colby Covington to Retain Gold

Edwards vs. Covington is in the books.

Leon Edwards and Colby Covington have wrapped up their UFC Welterweight Championship fight.

Going into this title fight, Edwards was hoping to secure his second successful UFC Welterweight Championship. As for Covington, he was in search of his first piece of undisputed UFC gold.

Edwards and Covington had a heated moment going into this title meeting. During the pre-fight press conference, Covington mentioned Edwards' late father in a negative light, which caused "Rocky" to throw a bottle at "Chaos."

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Covington missed a leg kick early in the opening frame. Leon was going for a push kick. A high kick was blocked by "Rocky." Halfway into the opening stanza, it was clear that this was a feeling out process. A left hand landed for Edwards, followed by a right. Covington, who has been known for his forward pressure, remained rather stationary in round one.

Round two was underway and Covington connected with a kick to the body. Edwards answered back later in the round with a kick of his own. A right hook handed for Leon. Edwards was busy with the leg kicks, and bruising formed on the right leg of "Chaos." Boos began to rain down, as Covington didn't have much activity, and Leon was picking his shots effectively.

Covington just could not get going with that pressure he's been known for, and round three was no exception. Another stinging leg kick was there for "Rocky." Covington shot in for a takedown and got it. Edwards quickly got back up and landed a head kick. Leon shot in and took Colby down. A leg kick was caught by Covington when the two returned to the feet, but nothing doing. 

Covington ducked a hook from Leon and went for a takedown early in round four. Edwards went for a choke, but "Chaos" slipped out. A clean left hand found the mark for Edwards. Covington landed a punch, then shot in for another takedown attempt. Edwards thwarted the attempt. Referee Herb Dean briefly halted the action for a low blow. A jab landed for Colby and he once again tried for a takedown. A scramble ensued, and Covington looked to take his opponent's back. Edwards reversed and landed a knee to the body.

A takedown was there for Leon, but the champion turned things around and took the challenger down. Edwards took the back of his opponent. Edwards locked Colby in a triangle, but "Chaos" reversed position and was on top control. Covington ended the fight in top position. 

In the end, the score totals were read, and Edwards was awarded the unanimous decision win.

Go inside Covington's corner ahead of Round 5 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/DeOIuxm7Cs

— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023

DOMINANT from start to finish!!@Leon_EdwardsMMA went wire to wire in his victory over Colby Covington #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/BDRy5fxvkn

— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023

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