Leon Edwards completely outclasses Colby Covington in masterful performance at UFC 296

Leon Edwards easily beat Colby Covington to defend his UFC welterweight title at UFC 296.

Edwards completely controlled the championship bout as he successfully made the second defence of his UFC championship against Covington.

In the first round, few strikes were exchanged, but Edwards took the centre of the cage and showed great Octagon control, backing Covington, who fought very cautiously.

With a measured approach, Edwards repeatedly landed leg-kicks and connected with a big left-hand that provoked a smile from Covington.

In the second round, the defending champion continued to target the challenger's legs, bruising his lead leg in the process.

Edwards also landed a crunching body kick.

Round three saw Covington secure a takedown, but Edwards immediately got back to his feet and secured his own takedown.

Edwards remained measured and technical in round four and attempted a submission, which Covington escaped. The American tried to push the pace as he looked for a takedown.

In the opening stages of the fifth and final round, Covington took Edwards down, but the Brit reversed the position and briefly locked in a submission but lost it.

From top position, Covington controlled Edwards but failed to inflict any significant damage.

The 32-year-old won the contest by unanimous decision.

After the showdown, an emotional Edwards spoke to Joe Rogan as he touched on Covington's crass taunt in the build-up.

"This fight was very emotional for me," he revealed. "This guy used my dad's death for entertainment, he used my dad's murder as entertainment.

"It took a lot for me to calm down, stay focused."

He added: "He's a good competitor. But he's a dirty human being."

'Rocky' improves his professional record to 22-3 (1) as he now has two UFC title defences to his name.

As for 'Chaos', he loses his third UFC title fight, having also suffered two defeats to former champion Kamaru Usman.

His defeat to Edwards was also in front of former US president Donald Trump.