LONDON—Leon Edwards retained his welterweight title Saturday, beating challenger Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 by majority decision.
Judges scored the trilogy fight at the O2 Arena in London 48–46, 48–46, 47–47 in favor of the Jamaican-born Brit, who landed the cleaner blows as their third fight went the distance.
Edwards made an encouraging start, connecting with two heavy body kicks in the opening round.
The 31-year-old Edwards’ greater speed unsettled Usman, but the challenger took Edwards down briefly in round two before both fighters traded some heavy blows.
Leon Edwards (L) in action against Kamaru Usman during their welterweight title bout during UFC 286 mixed martial arts event at O2 Arena in London on March 18, 2023. (Kieran Cleeves/PA via AP)
Usman grappled Edwards to the floor again early in the third and the latter was docked a point for grabbing the fence….