Leon Edward (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Colby Covington’s latest shot at the UFC’s welterweight crown did not go well for the polarizing fighter, as champion Leon Edwards worked his way to clear cun win at UFC 296.

Covington was hesitant in the fight’s opening rounds, and Edwards landed more significant strikes in the first three frames. In particular, Edwards battered Covington’s lead leg with kicks.

The former interim champ was able to put his wrestling game to work, somewhat, later in the fight, but, Covington was largely unable to put together any meaningful offense.

After five rounds, all three judges awarded the fight to Edwards (22-3), handing him his second title defense. The champion, who defended eight of Covington’s 10 takedown attempts, has gone undefeated in 13 straight fights.

Covington (17-4), who was fighting for the first time since March, 2022, has gone 2-3 now in his last 10 fights.

The main card also saw flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja outscore Brandon Royval with his wrestling and top game and record a decisive, decision win.

Here are the complete results for UFC 296, which took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

UFC 296

Leon Edwards def. Colby Covington via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Royval via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Stephen Thompson via submission (rear-naked-choke) R2, 4:56
Paddy Pimblett def. Tony Ferguson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Josh Emmett def. Bryce Mitchell via knockout (punch) R1, 1:57
Alonzo Menifield def. Dustin Jacoby via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Irene Aldana def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Cody Garbrandt def. Brian Kelleher via knockout (punch) R1, 3:42
Ariane Lipski def. Casey O’Neill via submission (armbar) R2, 1:18
Tagir Ulanbekov def. Cody Durden via submission (rear-naked choke) R2, 4:25
Andre Fili def. Lucas Almeida via knockout (punches) R1, 3:32
Shamil Gaziev def. Martin Buday via TKO (punches) R2, 0:56

Results via MMA Junkie.com.