Highlights! Edwards Tames ‘Chaos’ To Retain Title

Leon Edwards outclassed Colby Covington last night (Sat., Dec. 16, 2023) at UFC 296 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, capturing a unanimous decision win and retaining his UFC welterweight title in the main event.

Covington came out slow and hesitant to engage. “Chaos” is known for his high motor and exceptional output, but he let Edwards fight at his pace and his range. Edwards took advantage and landed some clean shots while taking very little damage. Covington refused to step inside for a takedown attempt in the second round as well, allowing Edwards to tee off at will and do a lot of damage with heavy outside leg kicks.

Covington finally found a home for a takedown two minutes into the third round, but only landed a few shots before Edwards returned to his feet. Edwards, who showed off his evolved wrestling skills against Kamaru Usman, actually scored his own takedown on “Chaos.” Covington tried to regain momentum in the fourth with another takedown, but the champ looked fresher and was operating on another level.

Covington needed something special to happen in the fifth and final round. Unfortunately, Edwards had other plans. The champion took Covington down once again and gained back control to threaten with a choke. Covington wiggled free and finally got on top. That’s where the fight would end, but it just wasn’t enough from Covington down the stretch to dethrone Edwards.

Check out the video highlights below:

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