UFC 296 LIVE: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington fight updates and results tonight
Re-live the action after Britain’s Edwards defended the welterweight title against the controversial American
Leon Edwards retained the UFC welterweight title with a clinical performance against Colby Covington on Saturday, easing to a points win in Las Vegas.
The Jamaican-born Britan showed off his superiority in the striking exchanges and even out-grappled the wrestling specialist for periods of the fight, which headlined UFC 296 at the T-Mobile Arena.
The controversial Covington, 35, is famed for his offensive wrestling and relentless pressure, but he was surprisingly inactive against Edwards, 32. The champion was able to pick off the American at range, while denying the majority of Covington’s sporadic takedown attempts.
In one of Edwards’s most impressive moments, he stuffed a takedown before nailing Covington with a head kick, before proceeding to take down his challenger – as if to make a point.
Covington, who had ex-US president Donald Trump supporting him from ringside, was able to employ his grappling more effectively in the fifth and final round, ending the fight on top. However, it was too little and too late for the American, who was beaten 49-46 on all three scorecards.
Re-live updates and results from the prelims, main card and main event of UFC 296, below.
UFC 296 LIVE: Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell
Round 1
Mitchell is immediately backing up Emmett, who is able to take the centre before long.
Mitchell looks wary as Emmett pistons a cross towards “Thug Nasty”’s body.
Mitchell briefly switches to southpaw, but both featherweights are largely standing orthodox.
OH!!!!!! EMMETT KNOCKS MITCHELL OUT STIFF WITH A RIGHT HAND!
UFC 296 LIVE: Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell
It’s No 6 (Emmett) vs No 10 (Mitchell), in an all-American affair.
Emmett is mainly known for his knockout power but does have decent wrestling pedigree, while Mitchell is known for his submissions.
Emmett was originally due to fight Giga Chikadze, who was forced to withdraw due to injury.
UFC 296 LIVE: Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell
We kick off the main card with a featherweight banger, Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell, moved up from the prelims after the cancellation of Ian Machado Garry vs Vicente Luqe.
Ian Machado Garry out of UFC 296 fight with Vicente Luque after contracting pneumonia
Machado Garry missed Wednesday’s media day, before UFC president Dana White confirmed the news
UFC 296 LIVE: Donald Trump arrives to support Colby Covington
Look who’s in the building – to the sound of cheers.
Donald Trump attends UFC 296 to support controversial Colby Covington
The former US president has attended numerous UFC events in recent years, and he and Covington share a mutual support
UFC 296 LIVE: Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby
Alonzo Menifield def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
A fair result with that knockdown, I’d argue.
UFC 296 LIVE: Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby
Round 3
Clean right cross by Jacoby. He’s stance-switching a lot right now. Another great right straight. Now a one-two.
Menifield lands a good jab, but his face is sporting a lot of damage right now. Great jab work by Jacoby.
OH! But out of nowhere, Menifield drops Jacoby with a left hook! Menifield is swarming him!
Jacoby is back on his feet, but not for long... Menifield takes him down and has the back! Wild!
He can’t get his hooks in, though, and Jacoby shakes him off before grappling Menifield against the fence.
That knockdown might have swung this round completely – and sealed the win?
We go to the scorecards!
UFC 296 LIVE: Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby
Round 2
OH! Hard left hook by Menifield early in the round! He sends Jacoby tumbling to the mat but is unable to land a clean follow-up shot, as Jacoby scoots back to his feet.
Both men kick at the same time, and Jacoby hits the mat again, but he’s soon back up.
Another great shot by Menifield! He staggers Jacoby with a right cross!
Still Jacoby comes forward, landing decent jabs now. Menifield kicks low a couple of times, and Jacoby goes southpaw briefly.
It could be 19-19 after two rounds.
UFC 296 LIVE: Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby
Round 1
Both men stand orthodox. Jacoby misses with a left hook as Menifield closes range. Now Jacoby gets behind the jab.
He backs up Menifield, who misses with his own wild hook as he tries to get off the cage wall. Menifield shoots for a takedown from range, but to no avail.
Lots of feints from Jacoby, who almost lands a right hand but does find a couple of body kicks.
Jacoby closes range and grapples Menifield against the fence. The crowd starts to get restless, but Jacoby is working; he’s landing knees to the legs of Menifield and punches to the body.
Menifield reverses the position late in the round.
UFC 296 LIVE: Aljamain Sterling refused entry to event
Former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling on X...
UFC 296 LIVE: Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby
One more prelim bout to go: Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby at light-heavyweight.
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