UFC 296: Leon Edwards dominates Colby Covington to retain welterweight title and exact revenge for dad joke

LEON EDWARDS retained his welterweight title with an emphatic silencing of Colby Covington in their grudge match.

Britain’s second UFC champion made the second defence of the 170lbs throne early on this morning in the main event of UFC 296 in Las Vegas.

GETTYLeon Edwards locked horns with Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 296[/caption]

GETTYTensions were high between the pair due Covington’s pre-fight trash talk[/caption]

GETTYLeon Edwards looked to make the second defence of the welterweight title against the American[/caption]

Emotions were high going into the Sin City showdown following Covington‘s repeated taunts about Edwards‘ late father, who was murdered when he was 13.

And the Brummie made the former interim champion eat every one of his words with a dominant decision victory.

‘Rocky’ had vowed to do just that in the pair’s final pre-fight face-off early on Saturday morning.

He told UFC commentator Joe Rogan: “That man is as good as dead tomorrow.

“Make sure you keep everything what you said about my dad.
Tomorrow, we can settle it.”

Edwards took the centre of the octagon early doors and looked to feint his way in.

The champ had to deal with chants of “USA, USA, USA.” as he looked to get his offence off.

Covington was cautious about entering the pocket, perhaps as he was aware of Edwards’ slick counter-striking.

Edwards landed a big right hand the briefly staggered Covington after hearing chants of “F**k you, Leon.”

Covington tried to change tact with a takedown with a minute-and-half of the round left but saw his effort to ground the fight easily stuffed before having his head pinged back with a stiff counter left

Despite being cheered on by Donald Trump, Covington was hesitant to enter range in the second.

But he landed a good straight left, although Edwards’ counter left after a beautiful stance switch proved to be the biggest strike of the round.

Covington shoot for a takedown early in the third but saw his attempt to ground the fight stuffed.

Edwards did a great job of countering when Colby left himself vulnerable coming in.

But he eventually found himself grounded by a big double leg from Covington, albeit temporarily.

And he returned the favour by grounding the American before allowing him back to his feet.

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