In a highly anticipated UFC Welterweight Championship match, Leon Edwards successfully defended his title against Colby Covington, securing a unanimous decision win. The UFC 296 highlighted Edwards’ tactical skills against Covington’s aggressive style.
Edwards landed a series of impactful left and right hands in the first round. Covington known for his forward pressure, remained stationary in round one, allowing Edwards to set the pace of the fight. In the second round, Edwards continued his controlled aggression, with effective leg kicks causing visible bruising on Covington’s right leg.
DOMINANT from start to finish!!@Leon_EdwardsMMA went wire to wire in his victory over Colby Covington #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/BDRy5fxvkn
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
Covington struggled to put pressure in the third round, while Edwards maintained his momentum with leg kicks and quick recoveries from takedown attempts. The fourth round intensified with Edwards countering Covington’s takedown attempts and landing big punches.
The fight concluded with Edwards in a dominant position, which helped him win by a unanimous vote. With this win, Edwards defended the UFC Welterweight Championship for the second time.
However, the fight was not just about Edwards’ win. Colby Covington faced severe backlash from fans of NBA star LeBron James. Covington’s pre-fight comments, which included negative remarks about James, sparked a lot of criticism.
Fans slammed Covington for his performance. One fan wrote, “That Bron hate gimmick didn’t work in the Octagon, huh?” Another added, “Colby should focus on his sport, not on calling out sportsmen in another SPORTS!!!” These comments highlighted the hate for Covington among James’ fans.
What did Colby Covington say about LeBron James?
Colby Covington’s controversial comments about LeBron James sparked a lot of attention before UFC 296. Covington, who entered the pre-fight news conference in a “Make America Great Again” suit with Donald Trump’s mug shot on the back, launched an attack on several targets, including James.
Covington criticized the indictment of former President Trump, which he stated was unlawful and a joke. Also, he accused the U.S. judicial system and the Department of Justice of political persecution against Trump.
“Leave it, or come deal with me,” Covington said. “You go to China, go to these sweat shops that you employ all these laborers and use these women and pay them pennies on the dollar to make your millions. F*** you, LeBron James. You’re a coward. You’re a spineless coward. You’re a bitch.”
However, Covington’s most offensive comments were aimed at NBA star LeBron James. He said that James had personally benefited from the underpayment of Chinese laborers, specifically in the manufacturing of his branded shoes. Covington also criticized James for his alleged disrespect towards the national anthem, adding to the existing criticisms James faced for his actions during a national anthem ceremony at USC’s arena.