Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington UFC 296 Live Updates Blog
Welcome to the live updates blog for Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington bout which was the main event of UFC 296 with UFC welterweight title on the line.
The build-up was dominated by trash talk from Colby which had divided opinion among the fans and had made Edwards mad at him. Did that prove costly to Colby as he came in his third title fight?
Colby has lost twice to Kamaru Usman in the title fights before this opportunity. But, Edwards was the one who had beaten Usman twice. Colby also entered the bout as an underdog with odds in Edwards’ favor. did Edwards go 13 fights unbeaten or did Colby win the title finally? Check below for the complete updates from the fight.
LIVE UPDATES
Round 1
Both men are patient to start but Leon has put Colby on his heels. Not much happens in the first minute. Colby goes for a high kick but Leon defends it. Colby hits an outside calf kick. Leon also hits one, but not much happens for the next one minute again. Both men connect lefts. Leon lands a left hook and a right punch. He lands another leg kick before avoiding an uppercut. Colby attempts a takedown but Leon is quick to shut it down. He keeps Colby on his heels. He hits another leg kick. Colby hits a body kick with 30 seconds to go. Edwards hits another leg kick before Colby attempts a big swing to end the round.
Round 2
Colby starts the round with a body kick. He attempts a jab but Leon blocks it. Leon hits a body shot. He catches Colby with a right to counter a big swing. Colby attempts a big kick, but Leon hits a shot to push him back. A calk kick catches Colby. Edwards lands a left. Colby’s leg is bruised from outside. He blocks a high kicks halfway into the round. Edwards also blocks a kick before landing calf kicks. A body kick from Colby gets block. Edwards lands a right. Colby fails when he attempts a knee strike. The rest of the round goes by without any significant action.
Round 3
Colby tries to catch Leon with big shots a couple of times in the first minute. Leon lands a calf kick and a right jab. Another right jab and left calf kick. Colby attempts a takedown but Edwards gets to the cage to block it. Edwards tries to trip Colby who then capitalizes on the mistake to complete the takedown. As they get back up, Edwards lands a high kick. Edwards gets the takedown short after this. Colby starts to throw some punches. Edwards lands some calf kicks. Colby also attempts the same. Colby tries to catch the leg kick but fails to get the takedown as the final minute starts. Colby lands an inside calf kick. The final 30 seconds go by as Colby keeps his distance.
Round 4
Leon blocks a weak knee strike before dodging a high kick. He lands a calf kick. Colby goes for a takedown but Leon turns it into a choke. Colby rolls over to escape in desperation. Colby lands a couple of calf kicks. Leon hits a front kick. He catches Colby with a straight jab. They dance a bit before Colby lands a couple of jabs. He goes for a takedown, but Leon blocks it against the cage. Leon catches him with a knee to the cup. Colby lands a big left. He connects a couple of more jabs before going for another takedown. Edwards gets to the cage once again to block it. Edwards tries to get on his back but Colby takes advantage of his mistake and gets on his back. Edwards rolls him over and hits a knee to the body. Leon lands a body kick to end the round.
Round 5
Leon lands a high kick to start the round. They trade left jabs. Colby catches left leg and is able to complete a takedown. Leon gets to the cage again. The grappling contest leads to Leon reversing and getting a body triangle. Colby tries to take advantage of his weak grip and get on top of him. Edwards turns it into an arm triangle. Colby breaks free of that easily and gets in the half guard position. They continue to scramble for the next minute. Colby is on the top and lands punches to the ribs as the final minute starts. Edwards gets him in a close hug as the final 30 seconds start. Colby hits fists on his head as he continues to look for some submission. But, the time runs out.
Official Decision
Leon Edwards won via unanimous decision(49-46, 49-46, 49-46).
