UFC 286: Leon Edwards second time defeats Kamaru Usman with hailstorm

UFC 286 marks the first time in 2023 that the biggest MMA tournament on the planet returns to the land of fog - the United Kingdom. Here, home boxer - reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards will defend his title for the first time against his recently won title opponent, Kamaru Usman.

Besides the match Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman, UFC 286 witnessed two names in the top lightweight group in the ring. Standing class fighter Rafael Fiziev - who owns 6 consecutive wins against Justin Gaethje in search of the first title in his career.

UFC 286 also saw elite fighters from the host country UK and Europe compete such as Gunnar Nelson, Casey O'Neil, Roman Dolidze, Jack Shore, Chris Duncan, Muhammad Mokaev, Lerone Murphy, Christian Leroy Duncan, Jake Hadley.

Leo Edwards opened with a turret kick, moving around due to Usman's movements as usual. By the middle of the first half, Edwards still managed to keep the distance before the opponent's close efforts.

Two consecutive mid-range kicks from Edwards sent Usman stooping to defend, before he was forced close to the cage by the former champion and successfully escaped. Referee Hearb Dean warned Edwards not to hook the opponent's glove. In both fights at UFC 278 and UFC 286, Leon Edwards took the advantage in the first round.

Edwards' series of left foot kicks continued to work. A left-hand combo on the knee from Edwards sent Usman wobbling, the first dangerous situation of the match from the champion. Kamaru Usman responded with a heavy right hand strike then before forcing Edwards towards the cage, unleashing a barrage of punches close to the champion's head.

Edwards' left arm - leg still makes Kamaru Usman unable to have an effective defense plan.

Usman's standard single-leg shot opened the third half after two innings leading the way. Referee Hearb Dean warned Leon Edwards not to hook his hand into the cage, which resulted in a 1 point deduction in the third round. Continuing a low kick resulted in Leon Edwards being cautioned.

The champion returned with a very heavy 2nd knee attack that hit Usman in the head, immediately he was met with a series of punches that made himself hold his head in defense. Kamaru Usman continued to have the advantage of pressing the cage in the last seconds of the 3rd round.

Kamaru Usman's knocking forces were repeatedly blocked by Leon Edwards and countered with precise hand attacks. However, Usman still has many effective straight punch situations thanks to his continuous close attack style. The coach asked Edwards to do more upper-cut situations with his left hand before each Usman close phase.

Edwards' high kick and upper-cut punch appeared but could not knock Kamaru Usman down. Eight of Usman's 11 attempts to knock down were blocked by the champ until the 3rd minute of round 5. Leon Edwards' striking style was still working. The final round ended without any surprises.

Justin Gaethje beat Rafael Fiziev (29–28, 29–28, 28–28)

Gunnar Nelson wins submission Bryan Barberena (armbar, 4:51 round 1)

Jennifer Maia beat Casey O'Neill (30–27, 29–28, 29–28)

Marvin Vettori beat Roman Dolidze (29–28, 29–28, 30–27)

Jack Shore wins submission Makwan Amirkhani (rear-naked-choke, 4:27 round 2)

Chris Duncan beat Omar Morales (27–30, 29–28, 29–28)

Yanal Ashmoz KO Sam Patterson (1:15 round 1)

Muhammad Mokaev wins submission Jafel Filho (neck-crank 4:42 round 3)

Lerone Murphy wins by point Gabriel Santos (28–29, 29–28, 29–28)

Christian Leroy Duncan TKO  Dusko Todorovic (Todorovic knee injury 1:52 round 1)

Jake Hadley TKO Malcolm Gordon (1:01 round 1)

Joanne Wood wins by point Luana Carolina (28–29, 30–27, 29–28)

Jai Herbert vs Ludovit Klein (29–27, 28–28, 28–28)

Veronica Hardy beat Julianna Miller (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)