In becoming and remaining UFC welterweight champion, Leon Edwards has battled an old rival, his own demons, the Utah altitude, and in-ring penalties. On Saturday, the Jamaican-born Briton will battle tenacity incarnate, as he defends his title against Colby Covington at UFC 296.
When Edwards dethroned Kamaru Usman in August 2022, he earned vengeance for a loss eight years prior, but also vindication for years spent crafting one of the best-rounded skillsets in MMA. In the first round, Edwards showed how significantly his grappling had improved, as he became the first opponent to take down the then-No 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. And in the final round, after struggling against the conditions in Utah and suffering under the relentless wrestling of Usman, Edwards showed how superior his striking really was, knocking the champion out cold with a picture-perfect head kick – with just one minute left on the clock.
