LONDON – UFC 286 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live play-by-play and official results.
UFC 286 takes place at The O2 in London. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews and early prelims on ESPN+.
In the main event, welterweight champion Leon Edwards (20-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) puts his title on the line for the first time against former champ Kamaru Usman (20-2 MMA, 15-1 UFC), whom he knocked out with a dramatic fifth-round head kick this past August. Their fight is a trilogy and is knotted at 1-1 – but this time, the stakes are their highest yet.
Plus, Rafael Fiziev (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) takes on former interim lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje (23-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) in the co-main event. The two have 15 combined post-fight bonuses in 17 combined UFC fights.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m. ET for the early prelims on ESPN+, 3 p.m. for the prelims on ESPNews and 5 p.m. ET for the main card on pay-per-view.
To discuss the show, be sure to check out our UFC 286 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun ) and Abbey Subhan (@kammakaze ) on Twitter.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
Veronica Hardy vs. Juliana Miller
Round 1 – Big left hand early by Hardy, as she countered Miller’s kick. Oh, and Hardy drops Miller, but Miller gets back up. She seems ok. Miller keeps pressing Hardy here and keeps getting caught in the counter. Hardy with great movement and precision. Miller having a tough time fining Hardy. Two minutes left. Clean one, two by Hardy. Miller presses Hardy against the cage, while looking for a takedown. Miller attempts a throw, but end up on the bottom. Miller aggressively goes for submissions, but Hardy quickly escapes and the bell rings shortly after.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Hardy.
Round 2 – Miller comes out aggressive! Oh, Hardy with a nasty counter. What a chin by Miller. Miller closes the distance, goes for another throw and ends on the bottom. Miller locks up an armbar. It looks dangerous. Great scramble by Hardy. She escapes and is now in half guard. Good ground-and-pound by Hardy. Miller recovers guard. Three minutes left. Another armbar attempt by Miller. Hardy escapes and lands a few shots. Hardy advances back to half-guard. Nasty elbow by Hardy. Miller’s forehead has a big bump. Hardy gets back up and gets the fight to resume on the feet. Miller immediately closes the distance and looks to takedown Hardy. Miller with another failed throw and ends on bottom. Good shots by Hardy. Miller attacks with a kimura. It’s tight! Hardy rolls over and the bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Hardy.
Round 3 – Miller needs a finish here. She’s pressing Hardy hard. This time, Hardy pins her against the cage and gets the takedown. Miller locks up a kimura. Hardy is out. Miller relentless with submission attacks. She now locks up a kneebar. Hardy seems ok. Hardy with body shots, as Miller holds on to her leg. Hardy is out, but Miller now presses her against the cage. Hardy reverses the position. She gets a takedown. Miller again attempting submissions, but Hardy escapes. They’re back up. Good left hand by Hardy. Hardy gets a takedown. One minute left. Hardy gets back up. Oh! Huge head kick by Hardy. Miller is hurt. Hardy now presses Miller against the cage. Hardy scores a takedown. She lands ground-and-pound until the bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Hardy. Overall 30-27, Hardy.
Result: Veronica Hardy def. Juliana Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Veronica Hardy def. Juliana Miller at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Veronica Hardy (7-4-1 MMA, 2-4 UFC), Juliana Miller (3-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: Chris Lee, Vito Paolillo, Paul Sutherland 30-27.
Jai Herbert vs. Ludovit Klein
Round 1 – Klein pressing Herbert here. He closes the distance and gets a takedown. Klein working from guard. Herbert goes for an armbar, but quickly abandons it. Good control here by Klein. And Herbert with some good upkicks. Again! Klein is bleeding. Herbert gets back up. Man, Herbert pieced him up while on bottom. Klein back to pressing on Herbert, while Herbert backs up and counters. They trade knees in the clinch. Good combo connects for Herbert. One minute left. Herbert with plenty of damage here. Credit to Klein he took those shots well. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Herbert.
Round 2 – Klein looks to close the distance here. He pins Herbert against the cage. Herbert breaks away and lands a few shots before getting pressed against the cage again. They break away, but good elbows from Klein in the break. Herbert landing the better shots here, but his output is a little low. He’s really taking his time with shot placement. Good leg kicks by Herbert. Two minutes left. Klein closes the distance and presses Herbert against the cage. Herbert escapes. Herbert now putting the pressure on the feet. Good elbow from Klein in close quarters. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Herbert.
Round 3 – Klein comes out aggressive, connects with a couple of kicks. Good leg kick by Herbert. Herbert pins Klein against the cage and knees him in the groin. The fight is paused. After a few seconds, the action resumes. No point taken from Herbert. Good knee to the body by Herbert. Klein pressing Herbert hard. Herbert gets clinch control against the cage on Klein. Another illegal low blow lands for Herbert. The fight is paused. Herbert gets a point deduction. Herbert comes out aggressive and scores a trip on Klein. Herbert working from half guard. Good elbows by Herbert. Two minutes left. Good ground-and-pound by Herbert. And Klein gets a reversal! One minute left. Herbert scrambles back to his feet and now presses Klein against the cage. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 9-9. Overall, 29-27, Herbert.
Result: Jai Herbert vs. Ludovit Klein ends in a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Photos: Jai Herbert vs. Ludovit Klein at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Jai Herbert (12-4-1 MMA, 2-3-1 UFC), Ludovit Klein (19-4-1 MMA, 3-2-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Ritch Mitchell
Judging: David Lethaby 29-28, Mark Collett, Clemens Werner 28-28.
Luana Carolina vs. Joanne Wood
Round 1 – Wood comes out pressuring and immediately closes the distance and presses Carolina against the cage. She gets immediately reversed, now Carolina is doing the pressing. Reverse again. They break free. Good right hand by Wood. And both get into a wild exchange and both connect. Three minutes left. Wood walking her down here. Big right hand by Carolina! Wood closes the distance and presses Carolina against the cage. Carolina breaks free. These two exchanging, but neither landing anything significant. Wood seems to be a bit more accurate than Carolina. Wood walks her down to the final bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Wood.
Round 2 – Again, Wood comes out pressuring and Carolina looks to back up and set up the counter. Good combo by Carolina. Looks like she’s found her range. Good right hand by Wood. Wood now closes the distance and presses Carolina against the cage. They break away. Carolina’s right eye is swelling up. Good knees from the clinch by Carolina. Nice elbow from the clinch by Wood. Two minutes left. Wood’s right eye is also showing some swelling too. Leg kick connects by Carolina. Good sweep by Wood. She ends the round while kicking the legs of a downed Carolina.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Wood.
Round 3 – Same dynamic here. Wood walks down, a much rangy and longer Carolina.Both fighters look tired and have slowed down significantly. Wood doing most of the work though. They clinch against the cage and both trade big knees. They break away. A lot of clinch fighting in this round. Good knees from both. Big right hand by Carolina. A lot of strikes from both, but neither connecting clean. Wood sweeps Carolina to the ground, but the Brazilian quickly gets back up. Oh! Right on the bell, Wood seemed to have wobbled Carolina.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Wood. Overall 30-27, Wood.
Result: Joanne Wood def. Luana Carolina via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29).
Photos: Joanne Wood def. Luana Carolina at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Joanne Wood (16-8 MMA, 8-8 UFC), Luana Carolina (8-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Ben Cartlidge 29-28. David Lethaby 30-27. Vito Paolillo 28-29.
Malcolm Gordon vs. Jake Hadley
Round 1 – Hadley comes out aggressive, putting the pressure on Gordon. Clean body shot by Hadley. Again! Oh, Gordon goes to the ground. A few extra shots and the referee stops the fight. What a finish by Hadley!
Result: Jake Hadley def. Malcolm Gordon via TKO (body shots) – Round 1, 1:01.
Recap: Jake Hadley makes quick work of Malcolm Gordon, calls out Muhammad Mokaev
Photos: Jake Hadley def. Malcolm Gordon at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Jake Hadley (10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Malcolm Gordon (14-7 MMA, 2-4 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Christian Duncan vs. Dusko Todorovic
Round 1 – Hard leg kick by Todorovic. Duncan answers back with a leg kicks of his own. Another leg kick by Todorovic. Duncan clinches Todorovic and pushed him against the cage. Duncan trying for the takedown, but Todorovic defending well. Todorovic reverses the position and drops to the canvas on his own. The fight is over. Todorovic hurt his knee in the reversal. Very unfortunate.
Result: Christian Duncan def. Dusko Todorovic via TKO (knee injury) – Round 1, 1:52.
Recap: Dusko Todorovic knee injury ends Christian Leroy Duncan fight early
Photos: Christian Duncan def. Dusko Todorovic at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Christian Duncan (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Dusko Todorovic (12-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Lerone Murphy vs. Gabriel Santos
Round 1 – Murphy with a few leg kicks to get things started. Santos immediately goes for the takedown and gets it. Murphy reverses the position, and now he’s on top. Santos working on getting a triangle choke. Murphy defending well and he’s out! Murphy lets Santos back to his feet. Leg kick by Murphy. Santos with two leg kicks. Body kick by Murphy. Three minutes left. Nasty body kick by Santos. Kick heavy attacks from both. Clean combo connects for Murphy. What a pace here. Clean left connects for Murphy. Both these guys connecting plenty here. Takedown by Santos. One minute left. Murphy has a cut on his right eyelid. Murphy gets back up. Good body shot by Santos. Big left hand by Santos. Murphy with a body kick. Santos connects with a few shots, right before the bell rings. Fun round.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Santos.
Round 2 – Oh! A clean left hand connects for Santos. These two clinch up and they both connects shots. Murphy now pressing Santos against the cage. Murphy gets the takedown. He’s on side control. Santos recovers guard. Santos gets back to his feet and lands a left hook. The fight is paused after a low blow from Murphy. Santos recovers quickly and the fight is resumed. No point taken from Murphy. Head-kick connects for Santos. Murphy eats it well. Big right by Murphy, then big left by Santos. Santos drops Murphy with a leg kick, but he gets back up. Santos gets a takedown. He takes the back of Murphy. Good control here by Santos. One minute left. Murphy trying to escape, but Santos with excellent control. Santos with a few shots. Santos transitions to an armbar! It’s tight! Murphy escapes! The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Santos.
Round 3 – Fun, fun fight here. Final round. Leg kick by Santos. One, two connects for Murphy. Again! Good shots by Murphy. Santos closes the distance and gets the takedown. Santos almost takes the back, but Murphy scrambles and gets back to his feet. Santos now presses Murphy against the cage. Murphy reverses position, then breaks away. Three minutes left. Hard leg kick by Murphy. A much better round striking wise for Murphy. Big right by Murphy. Santos with a left. Another right by Murphy. Santos is slowing down. Leg kick by Santos. Santos pressuring and walking down Murphy. One minute left. Santos goes for the takedown, lifts Murphy and slams him on the canvas. Santos working from guard. Murphy crawls back to the cage and uses it to get up. Head kick by Santos. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Murphy. Overall 29-28, Santos.
Result: Lerone Murphy def. Gabriel Santos via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
Photos: Lerone Murphy def. Gabriel Santos at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Lerone Murphy (12-0-1 MMA, 4-0-1 UFC), Gabriel Santos (10-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Rich Mitchell
Judging: Vito Paolillo, Clemens Werner 29-28. Mark Collett 28-29.
Jafel Filho vs. Muhammad Mokaev
Round 1 – They touch gloves and here we go! Big body kick by Mokaev. Filho pressing Mokaev here. Good leg kick by Filho. Again. Mokaev with his own leg kick. Leg kick by Mokaev. Mokaev shoots and Filho goes for the guillotine choke. Mokaev slips out and now he’s on top. Mokaev partially takes the back, as Filho connects his back against the cage. Now Mokaev has full back control. Mokaev trying to go for the rear-naked choke. Little damage done. Filho gets out and recovers guard. Two minutes left. Good control but very little damage from Mokaev. Now Mokaev is opening up with shots. One minute left. Mokaev stands up and now landing leg kicks on a downed Filho. Mokaev gets back in the guard of Filho. He lands some shots. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Mokaev.
Round 2 – Both guys trade leg kicks. Filho pressing Mokaev like round, but being a bit more tentative. Good leg kick by Filho. Not much going on, crowd getting a bit upset. Three minutes left. Another leg kick by Filho. Both guys swinging but not really connecting here. Two minutes left. Mokaev goes for the takedown, fails, but presses Filho against the cage. Filho defends well and breaks free. Another takedown by Mokaev, but this time he gets it. Mokaev on top control inside Filho’s guard. Both guys landing shots while on bottom. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie score the round 10-9, Filho.
Round 3 – Mokaev immediately shoots at the start, doesn’t get the takedown, but presses Filho against the cage. Mokaev now gets the takedown and advances to back mount. Mokaev looking for the rear-naked choke. Filho defending well. Filho escapes and they’re back on the feet. Mokaev shoots again, they scramble, and now Mokaev has Filho against the cage. Mokaev gets the takedown, but gets caught in a leg lock. It’s tight! Mokaev’s knee is hyperextending! And Mokaev gets out! He’s on top of Filho. Mokaev seems to be in pain from the leg lock. Filho gets up, but he’s being controlled against the cage. Mokaev gets the back now and attacks with the rear-naked choke. There’s the tap!
Result: Muhammad Mokaev def. Jafel Filho via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 4:32.
Recap: Muhammad Mokaev injures leg, scores last-minute submission of Jafel Filho
Photos: Muhammad Mokaev def. Jafel Filho at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Muhammad Mokaev (9-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Jafel Filho (14-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPNews
Referee: Herb Dean
Yanal Ashmoz vs. Sam Patterson
Round 1 – Big height difference here between Ashmoz and Paterson. Patterson with a couple of leg kicks. Ashmoz lands one of his own. Oh! Ashmoz floors Paterson with a huge right hand. Ashmoz jumps on him. Non-stop ground-and-pound. It’s over! Wow!
Result: Yanal Ashmoz def. Sam Patterson via KO (punches) – Round 1, 1:15.
Recap: Yanal Ashmoz mid-air punch leads to woozy Sam Patterson grappling referee Marc Goddard
Photos: Yanal Ashmoz def. Sam Patterson at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Yanal Ashmoz (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Sam Patterson (10-2-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPNews
Referee: Marc Goddard
Chris Duncan vs. Omar Morales
Round 1 – Hard leg kick by Morales. Now one by Duncan. Good body kick and then a left hand by Morales. Another hard kick by Morales. So far Morales the much busier fighter. Morales catches a leg kick and makes Duncan lose his balance. Morales lets him back up. Another leg kick by Morales. Big right hand by Duncan. Morales with two right hands. Big leg kick by Morales. Both guys very cautious here. Leg kick by Duncan. Oh! Clean one, two wobbles Duncan. He’s hurt. Now Duncan wobbles Morales. Duncan shoots for the takedown in the final seconds. He doesn’t get it and Morales escapes the clinch just as the bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Morales.
Round 2 – Duncan immediately goes for a takedown and presses Morales against the cage. He doesn’t get the takedown, but while standing, he’s gota grip around the back of Morales. Not much damage from Duncan, buthe still controls Morales against the cage. Knees to the legs from Duncan. Morales hits the switch and escapes. Three minutes left. Good one, two by Morales. Big right hand walks back Duncan. Morales is fining his range. Hard leg kick by Morales. Duncan presses Morales against the cage. He looks for a takedown. Morales defending well, but still pinned. One minute left. Morales breaks away and back to striking. Duncan close the distance again and presses Morales against the cage. Morales breaks free. Morales lands a hard right hand before the bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Morales.
Round 3 – Duncan connects with a right to start the round. One, two by Morales. A leg kick by Morales drops Duncan. He quickly gets up and presses Morales against the cage. Duncan head-snaps Morales and controls him by the cage. Duncan keeping control here. Three minutes left. Duncan not doing much damage, but controlling from top turtle position. Two minutes left. Not much going on. Duncan pressing Morales against the cage. One minute left. Crowd is complaining. Morales gets back to his feet. Big uppercut by Morales! Leg kick by Morales. Duncan shoots and presses Morales against the cage. He scores the takedown and the bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Duncan. Overall 29-28, Morales.
Result: Chris Duncan def. Omar Morales via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Photos: Chris Duncan def. Omar Morales at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Chris Duncan (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Omar Morales (11-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPNews
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Vito Paolillo 29-28. Paul Sutherland 30-27.
Makwan Amirkhani vs. Jack Shore
Round 1 – Good one, two by Shore as he closes the distance and presses Amirkhani against the cage. Amirkhani reverses the position and he is now pressing. Amirkhani looking for the takedown, but unable to. Good knees from clinch by Amirkhani. Shore reverses the position, and he now presses Amirkhani against the cage. Three minutes left. Stiff jab by Amirkhani. Amirkhani shoots and takes down Shore in the middle of the octagon. Shore recovers guard, he’s looking for submissions. Two minutes left. Amirkhani advances to half guard. Shore recovers guard once again. Pure control here by Amirkhani, but no damage. The bell rings and Amirkhani finishes on top.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Amirkhani.
Round 2 – Left hand and then a head kick connects for Shore. Amirkhani shoots, but comes up short in his takedown attempt. Back to the feet. Good body kick by Shore. They clinch and Amirkhani presses Shore against the cage. Shore breaks free. Shore with a head kick. Amirkhani seems stunned. Amirkhani shoots for a takedown, Shore stuffs it. Back to the feet. Amirkhani seems to be slowing down. Clean one, two by Shore. Right hand by Amirkhani. Uppercut by Shore. Amirkhani is fading. One, two connects for Shore. He can’t miss. Two minutes left. Amirkhani is battered. Amirkhani shoots and fails in a takedown. Shore now takes down Amirkhani. Shore advances to mount. One minute left. Shore locks up the arm triangle! He takes the back and switches to a rear-naked choke. And there’s the tap!
Result: Jack Shore def. Makwan Amirkhani via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:27.
Recap: Jack Shore submits Makwan Amirkhani in Round 2 to win featherweight debut
Photos: Jack Shore def. Makwan Amirkhani at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Jack Shore (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), Makwan Amirkhani (17-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPNews
Referee: Rich Mitchell
Roman Dolidze vs. Marvin Vettori
Round 1 – Here we go! Good leg kicks by Vettori. Dolidze connects with a big left! Vettori is hurt! Dolidze walking him down, but it seems he’s recovered. Dolidze brings back down his output. One, two connects for Vettori. Leg kicks by Vettori are adding up. Good left hand by Vettori. Dolidze is now starting to attack with leg kicks. Two minutes left. Another hard leg kick by Vettori. An accidental headbutt from Dolidze halts the fight. Fight resumes a few seconds after. Dolidze back to pressuring Vettori. Vettori’s nose is already bleeding. Oh! Three hard right hands connect for Dolidze. Vettori is stunned and backing up. Another one. Good left by Vettori. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dolidze.
Round 2 – A couple of good leg kicks land by Vettori. So far, they don’t seem to affect Dolidze. More kicks by Vettori. One, two by Vettori. Dolidze doesn’t seem to be fazed by Vettori’s power. Good jab by Vettori. Another leg kick by Vettori. He’s landed 22 leg kicks so far. Jabs connect for Vettori. Dolidze is not throwing much in this round. More leg kicks by Vettori. One minute left. The pace here is steady but slow. Dolidze showing swelling below his left eye. A couple of leg kicks connect by Vettori. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Vettori.
Round 3 – It looks like it’s a one-round fight now, likely tied up. Good jabs by Vettori, as Dolidze looks to press him. So far, Dolidze is doing the pressing and has shown to have the bigger shots, but his output and accuracy is low. Vettori is beating Dolidze by volume. Three leg kicks for Vettori connect. Good jabs by Vettori. Nice right hook by Vettori. Three minutes left. Dolidze connects with a solid left hook. Hard leg kick by Vettori. Jab by Dolidze. It seems Dolidze is upping the attacks. Two minutes left. Heavy leg kick by Vettori. Oh! Both guys connect clean with hooks. Neither wobbled. One, two by Vettori. Another leg kick by Vettori. Dolidze’s left leg is red and seems to be affecting him now. Vettori connects with a hard left before the bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Vettori. Overall 29-28, Vettori.
Result: Marvin Vettori def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Recap: Marvin Vettori earns unanimous decision nod over Roman Dolidze in main card opener
Photos: Marvin Vettori def. Roman Dolidze at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Marvin Vettori (19-5-1 MMA, 9-4-1 UFC), Roman Dolidze (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, David Lethaby 29-28. Paul Sutherland 30-27.
Jennifer Maia vs. Casey O'Neill
Round 1 – Good left hook by Maia. O’Neill comes out with tons of pressure. These two trading plenty here, both connecting. Good left hook by O’Neill. Surprisingly, Maia is holding her own on the feet here. Maia is staying mobile on the outside, as O’Neill chases. Good jab by O’Neill. High paced fight so far. Maia catches a kick, tries a takedown, but doesn’t get it. O’Neill back at pressing Maia. Good one, two by O’Neill. Maia with a good knee to the body. Leg kick by Maia. Another one. Both ladies connecting here. Close round. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Maia.
Round 2 – O’Neill with a leg kick. So far, Maia seems to be out striking O’Neill here. Oh! Big right hand followed by a stiff jab from Maia. O’Neill having a tough time connecting here. Good right by Maia. She’s connecting often, and O’Neill is having a tough time figuring her out. O’Neill just chasing now. Three minutes left. Front kick connects for Maia. Maia’s movement giving O’Neill all kind of trouble. O’Neill tries to pin Maia against the cage, and she gets reversed and pressed. Maia lets her loose and they’re back striking. Big output difference between the two. Good jab by Maia. Another one. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Maia.
Round 3 – O’Neill is back to chasing, while Maia looks to counter and stay mobile on the outside. O’Neill closes the distance and clinches, but gets reversed and pressed against the cage by Maia. Maia lets her loose. O’Neill’s nose showing some damage. Good right hand by O’Neill. Three minutes left. Solid knee to the face connects for Maia. Clean right by Maia. O’Neill with a stiff jab. O’Neill is bleeding from her nose. Two minutes left. Right hand connects for Maia. O’Neill with a clean left hand. O’Neill upping the attack here. Maia shoots for a takedown and presses O’Neill against the cage. She’s fighting hard for the takedown, but fails. O’Neill with a big right hand backs up Maia. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Maia. Overall 30-27, Maia.
Result: Jennifer Maia def. Casey O’Neill via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: Jennifer Maia hands Casey O’Neill first career loss in technical showcase
Photos: Jennifer Maia def. Casey O’Neill at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Jennifer Maia (21-9-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC), Casey O’Neill (9-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s flyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Chris Lee, David Lethaby 29-28. Vito Paolillo 30-27.
Bryan Barberena vs. Gunnar Nelson
Round 1 – Nelson comes out pressuring Barberena. They trade leg kicks. Both very tentative so far. One, two for Barberena. Right hand by Nelson then he closes the distance and pins Barberena against the cage. Nelson controlling. Three minutes left. Nelson trying to get a trip, but Barberena defending well so far. Nelson swicthes to a single, lifts Barberena, and gets the takedown. Nelson working from half guard. Good elbows from Nelson on top. Nelson moves to mount now. Another elbow. Nelson goes for the armbar with 20 seconds left. And he gets the tap just as the 10-second clap goes off! Nice submission win.
Result: Gunnar Nelson def. Bryan Barberena via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:51.
Recap: Gunnar Nelson dominates on the mat, taps Bryan Barberena with armbar late in Round 1
Photos: Gunnar Nelson def. Bryan Barberena at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Gunnar Nelson (19-5-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC), Bryan Barberena (18-10 MMA, 9-8 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Rich Mitchell
Rafael Fiziev vs. Justin Gaethje
Round 1 – Hard leg kick buckles Fiziev. One minute has gone by. No strikes here. Fiziev with a body kick. Gaethje eats it well. Left hook cracks Gaethje. Another one. Fiziev is aggressive. Big body kick by Fiziev. These two are swinging hard. A couple of hooks from Fiziev stuns Gaethje. Gaethje having a tough time landing. One minute left. Gaethje attempts a takedown, fails, but immediately connects with a right hook. Big knee by Fiziev! Gaethje responds with hard hooks but Fiziev defends and blocks well. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Fiziev.
Round 2 – This is heating up! Huge body kick by Fiziev. Big left hook by Fiziev and Gaethje answers with a straight right. The fight is paused. Fiziev got poked in the eye accidentally. Fight resumes. Leg kick by Fiziev. Fiziev keeps wiping his eye. It seems to be bothering him. Oh! Hard hooks connect for Gaethje. Fiziev with a leg kick. Big right hook lands for Gaethje after the two exchange. Fiziev doing most of the pressing. Fiziev is cut under both eyes. Good hooks by Fiziev! One minute left. Big left hand by Gaethje.The bell rings. Much better round for Gaethje.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gaethje.
Round 3 – OH! Big right hook by Fiziev stuns Gaethje. Fiziev clinches him and lands two knees to the body. They break away and back to striking range. Body kick by Fiziev. Fiziev clinches again and lands knees to the body. Good couple of hooks by Gaethje. Gaethje attempts a takedown, but fails. Good jabs by Gaethje. Fiziev’s right eye is bleeding a lot. More jabs by Gaethje. Big right hand by Gaethje. What a fight. Fiziev still marching down Gaethje. Nasty leg kick by Fiziev. Anothet jab by Gaethje. He’s having plenty of success with it. Uppercut by Gaethje. Fiziev seems to be slowing down. These two trading bombs! Thirty seconds. Nasty uppercut by Gaethje. And Gaethje gets a takedown! The bell rings. Wild fight.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gaethje. Overall 29-28, Gaethje.
Result: Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Recap: Justin Gaethje bloodies Rafael Fiziev, edges out majority decision
Photos: Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Justin Gaethje (24-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC), Rafael Fiziev (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Mark Collet, Clemens Werner 29-28, Paul Sutherland 28-28.
Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman
Round 1 – Hard leg kick by Edwards in the first strike landed of the fight. Left handsconnects for Edwards, as Usman tried to go for a takedown. Jab by Usman. Hard leg kick by Edwards. Usman is very hesitant here. Usman is pressuring, but not really landing. Another hard leg kick by Edwards. Two minutes left. Big body kick by Edwards! Another one! More leg kicks by Edwards. Usman closes the distance and pins Edwards against the cage. One minute left. Edwards escapes, but there might’ve been a glove grab. Referee halts the fight and warns Edwards. No point taken. Another leg kick for Edwards. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Edwards.
Round 2 – Big leg kick by Edwards. Low blow from Edwards halts the fight, but almost immediately resumes. Another leg kick by Edwards. Usman is walking down Edwards, but he’s got zero offense at the moment. Edwards connects a knee and wobbles Usman! Usman recovers quickly. Three minutes left. Good right hand by Usman. Usman gets a takedown! Edwards back up, but he eats a few shots. Edwards shoots for a takedown, gets stuffed by Usman. Edwards gets back up. Two minutes left. Straight left by Edwards. Usman stalks Edwards until the bell.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Edwards.
Round 3 – Another leg kick by Edwards. He’s adding those up. Another one. Usman shoots for the single leg takedown and gets it. He’s working from half guard. Four minutes left. Edwards gets back up. Usman tries to mat return him and Edwards does a clear fence grab. The referee pauses the fight and takes a point away. The fight resumes standing. A couple of leg kicks land for Edwards. A stiff jab connects for Usman. And a right hand too. Big leg kick by Edwards. A low blow lands on Usman. Clear as day on the replay. Fight resumes. Big knee lands for Edwards. Leg kicks land for Usman now. Good jab by Usman. Big right hand by Usman. Edwards is spamming the leg kicks now, connects with four or five. Good elbow by Usman. Usman now pins Edwards against the cage. Edwards breaks free and bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8, Usman.
Round 4 – Very, very interesting fight. Big leg kick by Edwards. Usman is walking down Edwards. That seems to be the entire dynamic here. They trade front kicks. Both throw kicks and Usman falls to the ground. Edwards almost gets on top, but Usman scrambles out, and they’re back on the feet. Another leg kick by Edwards. Jab to the body by Usman. Right hand lands by Usman. Another leg kick by Edwards. Two minutes left. Stiff jab by Usman. Usman presses Edwards and gets the takedown. Edwards immediately back up. Good left hook by Edwards! Usman shoots again and presses Edwards against the cage. Edwards defends the takedown and gets loose. Usman tried to go for a takedown again, but bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Edwards.
Round 5 – Close, close fight. Head kick by Edwards almost lands! Usman with a hard right hand and then closes the distance and pins Edwards against the cage. Edwards breaks free. Four minutes left. Body shot by Edwards. Knee to the head by Edwards! Usman still walking down Edwards, non-stop. Usman shoots and pins Edwards against the cage. Edwards breaks free. Leg kick by Edwards. Jab by Edwards. Half-way through the round. Big leg kick buckles Usman. Knee by Edwards! Usman again pins Edwards against the cage, but Edwards breaks free almost immediately. Again, but this time Usman gets the takedown. Edwards is back up and the crowd goes wild! Good combo by Edwards. Usman again pins Edwards against the cage. Usman controls for a bit, but Edwards eventually gets loose. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Edwards. Overall 48-46, Edwards.
Result: Leon Edwards def. Kamaru Usman via majority decision (48-46, 48-46, 47-47)
Recap: Leon Edwards overcomes point deduction, tops Kamaru Usman in trilogy rubber match
Photos: Leon Edwards def. Kamaru Usman at UFC 286: Best photos
Records: Leon Edwards (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC), Kamaru Usman (20-3 MMA, 15-2 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Chris Lee 48-46. David Lethaby 47-47.
