Leon Edwards overcame intense emotions stirred by Colby Covington‘s personal insults, particularly about his late father, to compose himself with support from his family and team, ultimately defeating Covington by unanimous decision at UFC 296.
Leon Edwards stood fuming at the final faceoff with Colby Covington. He was shaking with rage, all thanks to the welterweight challenger’s biting words.
The insults about his late father hit the hardest. Murdered during Edwards’ childhood, these jabs cut deep. Yet, a heart-to-heart with his mom and team helped him regain composure. “Focus on yourself,” they advised.
Post-UFC 296, Edwards was blunt. “F*** this guy,” he declared, having dominated Covington with unanimous 49-46 scores. “He wants you rattled, but stay on track,” he reflected.
Edwards braced for Covington’s usual aggressive start. Known for his wrestling and pressure, Covington’s backpedaling instead caught Edwards off guard. “I expected a bull, got a mouse,” he quipped.
The fight’s pace was unexpected. Covington threw far fewer punches than in his previous bout. Edwards’ attack rate also dipped compared to his last fight. The result? A main event that lacked the anticipated fireworks.
“It wasn’t my best,” Edwards admitted. Covington’s retreat baffled him. “All that trash talk, and then… nothing.” It seemed a pattern with Covington—big talk, little action.
Fellow fighters had slammed Covington’s pre-fight talk. Edwards suggested some topics, like family tragedies, should be off-limits. “Kids, murdered parents—those aren’t punchlines,” he said.
Covington remained unapologetic. But Edwards saw through him. “He’s a coward,” he stated, recalling Covington’s history of excuses post-defeat.
Emotions could have been Edwards’ third opponent in the cage. Mental strength was key, and he credited his support system for the victory. “I wanted war,” he confessed. “But they reminded me—fight now, feel later.”