Michael Bisping’s final prediction is Leon Edwards retaining his welterweight title at UFC 296.
Edwards (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) defends his belt against Colby Covington (17-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) in Saturday’s main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on ESPN+.
Edwards is a slight favorite over Covington, and while Bisping is picking him to win, he doesn’t see him cruising by.
“I think Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards does it. I think he beats him,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “I think he remains as champion of the world, but I don’t think it’s going to be easy.”
Bisping expects Covington to find success with his pace and grappling, but ultimately sees Edwards’ striking posing problems, and winning him the fight on the judges’ scorecards.
“I think Colby’s going to have some moments. He’s certainly going to get him down,” Bisping said. “To think that he can’t have a bit of success when he’s beaten guys like Tyron Woodley, Robbie Lawler, (Rafael) dos Anjos, Demian Maia, Bryan Barberena – a lot of similar opponents here. He can do that. Leon can do it.
“So why can’t Colby have success? I think he’s going to have success. I think Leon will hit the canvas. I think it’s going to be a tough fight, but I do think Leon’s going to stay dedicated and disciplined. He’s going to use the long-range weapons. He’s going to use that jab. He’s going to use the front kicks. He’s going to utilize a lot of footwork. I see a decision. America is going to be annoyed. Donald Trump’s going to lose the plot. People’s pets’ heads are going to be falling off.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.
Michael Bisping: Leon Edwards beats Colby Covington, ‘but I don’t think it’s going to be easy’