Edwards vs Usman 3 LIVE! UFC 286 stream, results and reaction as Rocky retains title in London
Edwards vs Usman 3 – LIVE!
Leon Edwards retained his welterweight title with a sensational points victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 in London. Seven months on from his stunning win over The Nigerian Nightmare in Salt Lake City, the pair fought for a third time and this time in front of Edwards’ home fans at the O2 Arena.
In an action-packed fight, it was nervy throughout and Edwards had a point deducted in the third round for a fence grab. That left it right in the balance as the bout went the distance, but it was Rocky who got the majority decision, winning 48-46 on two of the cards with it 47-47 on the other, to extend his unbeaten streak to 12 fights.
“He didn’t get any takedowns I was landing cleaner shots,” Edwards said. “I took out his legs. Thanks to Kamaru for being a great competitior. I know it was a close fight so I knew I had to land the cleaner shots. He didn’t land many clean on me. He just had lots of pressure.”
UFC 286 latest news
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Edwards retains title with tight points win
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Gaethje wins sensational co-main event
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First-round submission for Nelson
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First defeat for O’Neill as Maia takes decision
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Vettori beats Dolidze by unanimous decision
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01:01 , Matt Verri
Leon Edwards retained his welterweight title with a sensational points victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 in London.
Seven months on from his stunning win over The Nigerian Nightmare in Salt Lake City, the pair fought for a third time and this time in front of Edwards’ home fans at the O2 Arena.
In an action-packed fight, it was nervy throughout and Edwards had a point deducted in the third round for a fence grab.
That left it right in the balance as the bout went the distance, but it was Rocky who got the majority decision, winning 48-46 on two of the cards with it 47-47 on the other, to extend his unbeaten streak to 12 fights.
Read our full report here!
Colby Covington wants a shot at Edwards!
00:34 , Matt Verri
“I didn’t see anything special. He doesn’t look hungry any more. He looks like he’s a champion and has cashed out.
“I’m the people’s champion and he needs to come see me now.
“I’m going to do the job on American soil. Let’s get it on in July on International Fight Week. We need to put it on that week, it makes sense.”
And still!
00:28 , Matt Verri
Reaction from Edwards
00:20 , Matt Verri
“He didn’t get any takedowns I was landing cleaner shots. I took out his legs.
“Thanks to Kamaru for being a great competitior.
“I couldn’t get the kick around his head. He had the perfect defence. I was trying to set it up with kicks to the body and legs.
“I know it was a close fight so I knew I had to land the cleaner shots. He didn’t land many clean on me. He just had lots of pressure.”
Makhachev Islam wants to step up…
00:18 , Matt Verri
What next for Edwards?
00:15 , Matt Verri
Gracious from Usman
00:10 , Matt Verri
“I think I did enough to win the fight. I knew it was a close fight.
“Great gameplan. I’ve always said it, I knew I would see Leon again. I’m not done – I’ll see Leon again.
“He put on a great gameplan. I’ve always given him props, much respect. London, you’ve got yourself a hell of a guy and a great champion.”
Sensational win!
00:08 , Matt Verri
Leon Edwards by split decision!
00:06 , Matt Verri
48-46, 48-46, 47-47.
The winnger by majority decision… AND STILL!
Leon Edwards has done it!
Edwards vs Usman
00:04 , Matt Verri
Round 5
This takedown defence from Edwards has been absolutely sensational.
Saying that, he’s down this time. Usman not making it count yet though, and he can’t. Edwards back on his feet. Into the final minute we go! Tough round to score… again.
Elbow attempt from Edwards, but it’s Usman who lets his hands go in the last few seconds. And they’ve gone the distance!
Brilliant fight. I’ve got it 47-47 – could go either way.
Edwards vs Usman
00:01 , Matt Verri
Round 5
Edwards hasn’t attempted a single takedown all fight, Usman goes for it once again. Hasn’t had much success, and it’s now 3/10 in that regard. So good from Edwards.
Uppercut from Edwards, followed by an elbow over the top! Big finish, is Usman tiring?
Once more it’s an attempted takedown from Usman, who is looking increasingly gassed. And he can’t pull this one off either.
Edwards vs Usman
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:58 , Matt Verri
Round 4
So many leg kicks landed by Edwards, Usman must be feeling them. The Brit has slowed down a bit though in this round.
Another attempted takedown from Usman, and it’s superb defence again from Edwards to avoid it. Been so impressive with that all fight, aside from that fence grab.
The pressure is very much coming from Usman, but Edwards survives the round. May well have been Usman’s round, but it’s right in the balance.
Edwards vs Usman
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:55 , Matt Verri
Round 4
Two rounds to go. I’ve got it 28-28.
Usman told to up the pace by he’s corner and he’s trying to do just that, forcing the pressure a bit more.
They both go for a kick at the same time, Usman slips and he’s done… up so quickly though. Edwards unable to take advantage.
Edwards vs Usman
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:51 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Edwards needs to avoid those takedowns. Best moments are coming when he’s getting the kicks away.
More complaining from Usman, it’s another low blow. The fourth time out we’ve had of the fight. And seconds later, Usman stops again! This time he’s told to carry on though, that one was fine.
Back-to-back leg kicks from Edwards, swiftly followed with a third. Usman pushes Edwards back onto the fence, can he find a late takedown in the final 15 seconds of the round?
No he can’t. Point deduction for Edwards there, but he could well have salvaged a 9-9 round.
Edwards vs Usman
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:47 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Edwards told by his corner to stop being backed up, and to meet Usman 50-50.
He’s down now though with Usman on top of him – for the first time in the fight Edwards gets out of it though!
Time out again, that looks like a fence grab from Edwards to stop a takedown. And it is – Edwards has a point taken away. Big, big moment.
Edwards vs Usman
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:44 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Edwards back to his feet well, but then he’s down again. Taking a fair few shots, but again he’s able to get out of it. Huge roar from the crowd.
Frantic pace to this round, it’s really even too. Body and leg kicks working for Edwards, but Usman is starting to back him up a bit now. He’s very much on the front foot.
More words exchanged at the end of the round. Tough round to score – potentially 1-1.
Edwards vs Usman
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:41 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Edwards can only be feeling more confident after that first round. Again we have a brief time out, Usman takes a shot to the groin. Usman not happy at all in there, a lot of complaining.
These inside leg kicks from Edwards continue to cause problems, they’ll slow Usman down the longer this fight goes on.
Edwards lands a big knee, left hand comes back in response. And then a right hand, his best shot of the fight. Edwards down for the first time, Usman having a good spell here.
Edwards vs Usman
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:38 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Leg kicks a clear tactic from Edwards. Will be hoping that has more and more of an impact as the fight goes on.
And there’s a great body kick, that briefly buckles Usman. He’s wearing a lot kicks in this opening round.
First attempt at a takedown from Usman in response, pushes Edwards back onto the fence. Edwards rolls out of it, but he’s then warned for fingers hooked in Usman’s glove.
That’s the end of the first round. Edwards has taken it – they exchange words.
Edwards vs Usman
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:35 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Edwards has made a confident enough start here, lands a nice left hand. Couple of good kicks too in the opening minute.
Usman very cautious so far, not really engaging. That’s better though, right hand backed up with a jab.
Here we go!
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:32 , Matt Verri
Underway in the main event. Incredible atmosphere at the 02 – time to find out if the crowd get the result they want!
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:29 , Matt Verri
Edwards unbeaten since 2015, though that defeat was against Usman. He’s obviously avenged it since then.
One each, tonight the rivalry is finally settled. And it’s coming up in just a couple of minutes!
Edwards the slight underdog, despite coming in as champion.
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:26 , Matt Verri
Here comes the champ. Edwards roared on by the O2 crowd, they’re right behind him.
All business as he marches through the arena, no dancing from Edwards. Game face on.
Usman ready!
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:23 , Matt Verri
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:22 , Matt Verri
The Nigerian Nightmare is on his way to the octagon. Dancing his way through the corridors backstage.
He’s met with plenty of boos as he emerges into the arena – safe to say he doesn’t care one bit.
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:19 , Matt Verri
“Every aspect of the sport, I was much better than him at.”
That’s what Usman has to say about the first four rounds of his fight with Edwards last year. Probably true.
Unfortunately for him, he got stopped by a massive kick in the final round! How much will that be on his mind tonight?
It’s 1-1… time to settle it!
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:17 , Matt Verri
It’s time!
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:14 , Matt Verri
Main event is coming up!
Leon Edwards looking to do it all over again, this time with home support roaring him on. Kamaru Usman goes in search of revenge.
Underway very, very shortly.
Fair enough…
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:12 , Matt Verri
Gaethje gets the decision!
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:09 , Matt Verri
29-28, 29, 28-28.
Majority decision for Gaethje! Stunning third round and it’s got the win for the American.
Brutal bout
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:08 , Matt Verri
Gaethje vs Fiziev
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:06 , Matt Verri
Round 3
A lot of blooding coming from that right eye of Fiziev. Gaethje aiming right at it. Big, big overhand right lands too.
Gaethje jabbing again and again at that eye, no way Fiziev can see out of it. Into the final minute we go, Gaethje is starting to take control.
Jab causing Fiziev huge problems, and a monstrous uppercut follows it! This is brutal. And another uppercut! Takedown in the final few seconds too – that was a miserable final two minutes for Fiziev.
Gaethje has surely won this. Incredible fight.
Gaethje vs Fiziev
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:03 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Serious fight so far, been a brilliant watch. Can either find the stoppage?
Fiziev really pushing now, Gaethje looks to be in trouble as a couple more huge shots lands. Hands are just crazy fast. Gaethje takes them again, though he does look to be slowing down.
Gaethje has had enough of those exchanges, attempts the takedown. Can’t pull it off.
Gaethje vs Fiziev
Saturday 18 March 2023 23:00 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Blood coming from the right eye of Fiziev, who is also feeling the effects of the leg kicks Gaethje has been firing in.
Gaethje goes for a huge kick right at the end of the round, Fiziev sees it coming a mile off though.
Ten minutes down, five to go. Could well be 19-19 on the cards.
Gaethje vs Fiziev
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:57 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Fiziev is so quick when he moves forward. That’s slowed him down – time out. He’s got a finger in the eye.
Back up and running, Fiziev all good after that brief pause. And quickly back into his work, though that’s much better from Gaethje. Sharp combination, his best of the fight.
Another really tight round.
Gaethje vs Fiziev
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:53 , Matt Verri
Round 1
A couple of wild kicks from Fiziev, not closing the distance enough.
Similar issue for Gaethje, this time with the punches. Looks for a big combination, falls short though. Attempted takedown from Gaethje, well-defended from Fiziev.
Massive knee late on from Fiziev, again the American takes it. And that’s the opening round down.
Best of luck scoring that. Maybe just about Fiziev taking it?
Gaethje vs Fiziev
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:51 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Well, 20 seconds in and a couple of brutal leg kicks already landed. Fiziev almost spun round by one.
This is not going the full three rounds. Fiziev swinging for the hills, thankfully for Gaethje they don’t fully land. That shot does though – Gaethje wears it well.
Not all-out action, but when it does explode into life it feels like a stoppage is imminent.
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:48 , Matt Verri
Right, here we go.
There has been a lot of hype about this fight, it’s been given the big build-up. Violence expected!
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:44 , Matt Verri
Rafael Fiziev looking very pumped up as he marches around the octagon.
Justin Gaethje on his way to join up – few deep breaths. He’s the underdog going into the fight.
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:40 , Matt Verri
Jordan Pickford was playing in the late kick-off this evening, as Everton picked up a draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Well, he’s rushed straight to the O2 Arena to take in UFC 286!
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:38 , Matt Verri
Time for the co-main event. Just Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev to go and then it’s time for Edwards vs Usman 3.
Big, big fight for both this. Championship fight potentially waiting for whoever comes out on top.
Nelson very relaxed!
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:35 , Matt Verri
“Everything we have been working on. Felt super, super calm in there from the beginning to the end,” he says.
“I wanted to take my time, keep that pace I was feeling. I was expecting him to explode a little bit more to be honest, try to get up. He didn’t want to hurt his back.
“I’m going to go back now and focus on my team – then we’ll see.”
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:33 , Matt Verri
Armbar from Nelson gets the job done, with only nine seconds of the first round remaining.
Really that was over for Barberena once the takedown happened.
Nelson wins by submission!
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:32 , Matt Verri
Round 1
These are worrying moments for Barberena, this is not where he wants to be at all. Can he make it to the end of the round?
Nelson patient, taking his time on the ground. And there is the finish… Barberena taps out! Ruthless.
Nelson vs Barberena
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:29 , Matt Verri
Round 1
The old Viking Thunder Clap is going around the O2, they’re firmly behind Nelson.
Cautious start, Barberena very wary about any takedown attempts from Nelson. Cannot afford to let that happen.
Nelson has the American pushed right back agains the fence, he’s struggling to get out of it. And there is the takedown – Nelson has him down!
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:26 , Matt Verri
Nelson not really interested in any singing as he strolls to the octagon. Shame.
Buffer once again wheeled out, not sure his voice is going to make it for the main event at this rate.
Here we go – underway in the first round!
On we go…
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:21 , Matt Verri
Gunnar Nelson vs Bryan Barberena next up on the card.
Could be an explosive welterweight fight this. Barberena putting on a quick karaoke performance on his way to the octagon, having the time of his life.
Star-studded crowd!
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:20 , Matt Verri
Unanimous decision for Maia!
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:18 , Matt Verri
30-27, 29-28, 29-28… all to Jennifer Maia!
Had to be. O’Neill’s unbeaten run is over, Maia with a really impressive performance there.
Maia vs O’Neill
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:15 , Matt Verri
Round 3
O’Neill having a better round and landing a number of jabs, it’s probably not going to be enough though. Will give her this round but Maia surely already has two in the bank.
Plenty of blood coming from O’Neill’s nose, and she’s pushed back onto the fence as Maia goes for the takedown. Hasn’t been a single one all fight.
Won’t be one either, O’Neill resists it and she lands one, two, three big shots in the final seconds. Great finish.
29-28 Maia for me. We shall see.
Maia vs O’Neill
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:12 , Matt Verri
Round 3
“She cannot take you down, she cannot outbox you. Let’s finish this. Do not kick first.” Those are instructions from the Maia corner.
She continues to shuffler her way around the ring, head movement is really good. Maia pushes O’Neill against the fence, before they roll out and resume trading.
Three minutes to go – O’Neill needs something special.
Maia vs O’Neill
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:09 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Combinations are so sharp from Maia, she’s bouncing around the octagon.
O’Neill struggling to cope with the movement she’s faced so far, hasn’t really been able to land much of her own. She looks for the knee this time as Maia moves in, doesn’t land.
That’s a nice right hand though from O’Neill, before they both trade at close range. If this stays as effectively a boxing fight, there’s only one winner. Maia has the better of those exchanges.
Two rounds down – Maia has probably taken both of them.
Maia vs O’Neill
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:03 , Matt Verri
Round 1
First takedown attempt and it comes from Maia, it’s defended well though by O’Neill.
Knee from Maia is good though, she’s on top at the moment. Sharp start. Catches O’Neill again as the Australian closes the distance.
And that’s that for the opening five minutes. Maia has taken it, although it’s anyone’s guess what the judges see sometimes.
Maia vs O’Neill
Saturday 18 March 2023 22:01 , Matt Verri
Round 1
Action-packed first minute, plenty being thrown by both fighters. Maia landing the cleaner shots.
Neither with any interest in grappling yet, both sticking with the punches and the occasional kick.
Lots of instructions coming from Maia’s corner – unfortunately I have no Portuguese knowledge to offer.
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:54 , Matt Verri
Right, on we go. Casey O’Neill is in the octagon, the Australian is 9-0 coming into this.
Jennifer Maia will shortly join her – she’s lost four of her last seven bouts.
Big news for Silva
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:49 , Matt Verri
It’s just been announced that Anderson Silva will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
That was always going to happen – will happen in July during International Fight Week. Doesn’t get much bigger in the sport than Silva!
Stars are out in London
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:47 , Matt Verri
Next up – Jennifer Maia vs Casey O’Neill. Women’s flyweight action.
And there are a few famous faces in attendance to watch it!
He wants more…
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:43 , Matt Verri
Vettori by unanimous decision!
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:41 , Matt Verri
Here’s the decision.
29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 for the winner… Marvin Vettori!
A lot of boos from the crowd, they’re not impressed with those scorecards. Could have gone either way – no idea where 30-27 has come from.
Vettori vs Dolidze
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:39 , Matt Verri
Round 3
It’s Dolidze starting to take charge heading into the final couple of minutes.
He’s starting to land those heavy shots again, overhand right that follows is blocked though. Vettori still sticking with those leg kicks.
And the straight left lands from Vettori. Dolidze’s leg is badly bruised from where he’s been taking those kicks.
Some wild attempts at a right hand from Dolidze late on – and they go the distance! I reckon Dolidze has maybe just edged it.
Vettori vs Dolidze
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:36 , Matt Verri
Round 3
Here we go then. All to play for in the final five minutes.
Low-key start to it, could come down to who has the better engine but for now there’s not a huge amount being thrown by either.
Better from Dolidze, lands a couple of big punches in quick succession.
Ronnie O’Sullivan in the building!
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:34 , Matt Verri
Vettori vs Dolidze
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:33 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Leg kick after leg kick from Vettori. Don’t seem to be having a huge impact though.
Takedown attempt from Dolidze, Vettori defends it well though. There is marking under the left eye of Dolidze, who is looking a bit tired now.
That’s a good round for Vettori, could well be level on the cards going into the third.
Vettori vs Dolidze
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:30 , Matt Verri
Round 2
Definitely Dolidze taking that first round. Landed all of the big shots really.
Vettori with a number of kicks, Dolidze very little interest in that. Living solely on a diet of right hands.
Solid round from Vettori so far, he’s been fairly comfortable and blocking most of the punches coming his way. Danger is that Dolidze can land something massive at any moment.
Vettori vs Dolidze
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:26 , Matt Verri
Round 1
It’s a brutal start from Dolidze, knee sends Vettori stumbling backwards. Good response from Vettori, lands a big left hand. Backs it up with a nice one-two.
Relatively even though after that early flurry, they’re feeling each other out and it’s all pretty cautious. Clash of heads there, that will be a time out. Looks to have hurt Vettori more.
Dolidze on the charge now – three huge right hands in a row! Tries to land a couple more too, Vettori ducks under those though.
Brilliant opening round.
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:21 , Matt Verri
Bruce Buffer does Bruce Buffer things, and we’re ready.
Underway in the first round, don’t be surprised if this doesn’t go the full 15 minutes!
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:18 , Matt Verri
Dolidze has won his last four fights, he’ll surely be looking for a rapid start to this one. Performance of the Night in each of his last three bouts too, so he should be full of confidence.
These two have trained together a fair bit before, interesting dynamic.
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:14 , Matt Verri
Middleweight action first up on tonight’s main card. Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze.
Plenty of confident chat from the pair in the build-up to this one, as you’d expect. They’re on their way to the octagon now.
Last time they met…
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:10 , Matt Verri
Edwards was on his way to a defeat on the cards, when he produced this stunning strike in Salt Lake City.
That ended Usman’s long welterweight reign, we’ll see what the response is from the Nigerian Nightmare at the O2!
Edwards roared to victory?
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:04 , Matt Verri
Safe to say the crowd will firmly be in Edwards’ corner when we get to the main event later.
He was pumped up at the weigh-in and it was a brilliant atmosphere then – we can expect even better tonight!
Shore pays tribute to dad after win
Saturday 18 March 2023 21:01 , Matt Verri
“It was everything I thought it would be, I knew I’d have the gas in the second and third round.
“My dad (his trainer), November 2022 he was diagnosed with cancer and finished his chemo two weeks ago.
“I felt I was the better wrestler, I knew I’d take him down when he was tired.”
Main card coming up!
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:56 , Matt Verri
That’s the prelims done. Focus now shifts to the main card – here’s a reminder of what’s to come:
Leon Edwards (C) vs Kamaru Usman 3 (welterweight title)
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev (lightweight)
Gunnar Nelson vs Bryan Barberena (welterweight)
Jennifer Maia vs Casey O’Neill (women’s flyweight)
Marvin Vettori vs Roman Dolidze (middleweight)
Brilliant from the Welshman
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:52 , Matt Verri
Submission for Shore!
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:49 , Matt Verri
Shore takes about three seconds to bring out the head-kick after those instructions.
He’s having a much better round now, Amirkhani looks to be tiring rapidly, his attempt at the takedown is well-defended.
And Amirkhani is in real trouble now, stoppage could be coming. It does! Shore wins by submission in the second round, rear naked choke gets the job done.
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:44 , Matt Verri
Shore defending well but he’s been under a lot of pressure in this opening round. Amirkhani having much the better of it.
And that’s that for the opening five minutes. “Alright, rest,” say Shore’s corner. I’d say so.
They also say they’ve been practicing the head-kick non-stop, questioning why he hasn’t used it once yet.
One more to go…
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:36 , Matt Verri
Jack Shore vs Makwan Amirkhani is the final fight before our focus shifts to the main card. We’ll have full coverage of that, of course.
UFC featherweight debut for Shore.
Winner by split decision… Duncan!
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:31 , Matt Verri
30-27 and 29-28 to Duncan on two of the cards, 29-28 Morales on the other.
Duncan up and running!
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:28 , Matt Verri
Three rounds done between Duncan and Morales, the penultimate fight of the prelims.
It’s really even, Duncan maybe just about edging it in terms of putting the pressure on. Great uppercut from Morales late on, having been on the floor for much of the round.
Got to think Duncan has done enough to win it.
Main man is here!
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:19 , Matt Verri
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:16 , Matt Verri
Duncan the one trying to close the distance in the opening round, looking for a big right hand.
He gets tagged here though! Legs have buckled underneath him, but he responds with a huge shot of his own! Morales smiles and calls for more noise from the crowd.
Couple of elbows to end the round from Duncan. That was fun.
Saturday 18 March 2023 20:06 , Alex Young
Yet more British hopes in action next.
Chris Duncan, another from Dana White’s Contender Series, will make his UFC bow. He takes on Omar Morales.
Saturday 18 March 2023 19:56 , Alex Young
Wow, that didn’t take long.
Yanal Ashmoz knocks out Sam Patterson with just 1:15 on the clock! A huge right hook followed by a left, to the ground and the young Brit is out cold.
Brutal debut.
Saturday 18 March 2023 19:52 , Alex Young
Up next on the prelims is English lightweight Sam Patterson making his UFC debut.
The star of Dana White’s Contender Series star faces off against Israeli fighter Yanal Ashmoz.
Saturday 18 March 2023 19:48 , Alex Young
Muhammad Mokaev has just defeated Jafel Filho via a third-round submission. Filho tapping from a rear naked choke with 18 seconds to go.
Last time these two met
Saturday 18 March 2023 19:39 , Alex Young
Let’s roll the clock back to August 2022 and look at a stunning fight and a remarkable post-bout interview.
Leon Edwards shocks world with stunning KO of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278
Leon Edwards has become only the second ever UFC champion from Great Britain after claiming the welterweight title with a shock last-minute kick to the head to beat Kamaru Usman in Salt Lake City.
The 30-year-old, from Birmingham, looked to be heading to defeat at Vivint Arena after being out-wrestled by the reigning champion only to unleash a left kick to the side of Usman’s head, knocking his opponent out, with just a minute of the bout left.
Edwards, who lost to Usman in 2015, is only the second Briton to become a UFC champion, following Michael Bisping in 2016.
He said in his post-fight octagon interview: “I can’t put it into words. It’s been a long four years. They all doubted me, they all said I couldn’t do it. Look at me now!”
Read more here.
Prelims starting
Saturday 18 March 2023 19:24 , Alex Young
We’ve already seen plenty of action at the O2 Arena tonight.
Here’s a wrap of the results so far.
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Veronica Hardy def. Juliana MIller via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
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Ludovit Klein and Jai Herbert fight to majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
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Joanne Wood def. Luana Carolina via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
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Jake Hadley def. Malcolm Gordon via TKO (round 1, 1:01)
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Christian Leroy Duncan def. Dusko Todorovic via TKO (round 1, 1:52)
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Lerone Murphy def. Gabriel Santos via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
The first prelim fight, Muhammad Mokaev vs Jafel Filho at flyweight, is up next.
Edwards in confident mood
Saturday 18 March 2023 19:06 , Alex Young
A little over three hours until the main event. Here’s what Edwards has been saying.
I’m the better fighter than him, I’m the better striker than him and I’ve knocked him out before so I’ll knock him out again.
Fight prediction
Saturday 18 March 2023 18:37 , Alex Young
It’s going to be hard for Edwards to replicate the stunning kick that knocked Usman out many months ago. That, you feel, was a perfect storm and the alchemy needed to reproduce it is complex.
Leon Edwards shocked the world with his win over Usman in August / USA TODAY Sports
For that reason, Usman has to be favourite. On course to be considered one of the greatest of all time before the loss to Edwards, Usman has the tools to get back on track.
Usman to win via KO.
Main event timings
Saturday 18 March 2023 18:08 , Alex Young
Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman are expected to head to the octagon around 10.30pm tonight.
It will be the third showdown between the pair, who have a win apiece and first met way back in 2015.
Elsewhere on the card, Justin Gaethje squares off against Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event, while Gunnar Nelson returns to the O2 Arena after his appearance on the card last year.
How to watch tonight
Saturday 18 March 2023 17:52 , Alex Young
TV channel: BT Sport will broadcast the prelims live in the UK, with coverage starting on BT Sport 1 at 7pm GMT on Saturday March 18, 2023.
BT Sport Box Office will then hold the main card, with the event costing £19.95 to purchase.
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will also be able to watch the event live online via the BT Sport website or app, then by the BT Sport Box Office app once they’ve purchased the main card.
UFC 286 fight card
Saturday 18 March 2023 17:42 , Alex Young
Main card
Leon Edwards (C) vs Kamaru Usman 3 (welterweight title)
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev (lightweight)
Gunnar Nelson vs Bryan Barberena (welterweight)
Jennifer Maia vs Casey O’Neill (women’s flyweight)
Marvin Vettori vs Roman Dolidze (middleweight)
Prelims
Jack Shore vs Makwan Amirkhani (featherweight)
Chris Duncan vs Omar Morales (lightweight)
Sam Patterson vs Yanal Ashmoz (lightweight)
Muhammad Mokaev vs Jafel Filho (flyweight)
Welcome
Saturday 18 March 2023 17:37 , Alex Young
Good evening and welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE coverage of UFC 286 in London!
The headline act at the O2 Arena sees Leon Edwards defend his welterweight title after Kamara Usman, concluding a thrilling trilogy of fights between the pair.
Jamaican-born Edwards knocked Usman out in stunning fashion last August to win the belt and become Britain’s second ever UFC champion.
The first fight way back in 2015 saw Edwards lose on points to the Nigerian-American.