Leon Edwards successfully defended his UFC welterweight title with a dominant decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 296, headlining an event filled with standout performances and dramatic antics.
Leon Edwards stands tall. The UFC welterweight champion silenced critics at UFC 296, effortlessly defeating Colby Covington. His dominant performance capped off a night filled with drama and spectacle at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Let’s jump into the eight key takeaways from UFC 296.
The welterweight division’s journey this year has been ironic, to say the least. Colby Covington’s anticlimactic final title bid was a stark contrast to the hype. Recall Dana White’s comments in March, postulating Covington’s next shot. It seemed far-fetched even then, given Belal Muhammad‘s impressive streak. Yet, the allure of a Covington fight sidelined meritocracy for entertainment’s sake.
And the outcome? Disappointing. Covington’s performance fell flat, failing to deliver on his brash promises. Leon Edwards, meanwhile, fought with poise and intelligence, even scoring takedowns out of sheer audacity. Covington’s lackluster showing ranks among the most underwhelming title fights, reminiscent of Esparza vs. Namajunas 2. Muhammad would have undoubtedly presented a tougher challenge.
The matchmaking gods weren’t pleased. Covington’s undeserved shot was a gamble that didn’t pay off. His record lacks wins over top contenders, and his reputation hinges on losses. Now on the wrong side of 30, he’s in a precarious position. Covington’s callout post-fight? Predictable, yet uninspiring.
Looking ahead, Edwards vs. Muhammad in early 2024 seems like the right move to recalibrate the welterweight division.
The co-main event may not have reached the heights of Pantoja’s previous title victory, but it was still a showcase of his talents. Flyweight is buzzing with excitement, and the division’s future looks bright. Pantoja’s performance was a testament to the division’s vitality.
Shavkat Rakhmonov‘s record is nothing short of extraordinary. His finishing streak is a testament to his skill and a sign of his impending title shot. Even with an injury, Rakhmonov’s performance was remarkable.
The seating fiasco at UFC 296 was a comedy of errors. Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis, fresh from their press conference scuffle, were seated too close for comfort. The resulting chaos was almost predictable.
Tony Ferguson‘s losing streak is a sad parallel to B.J. Penn’s. Despite his determination, Ferguson’s arsenal seems depleted. His legacy deserves better than this decline.
Josh Emmett‘s knockout of Bryce Mitchell was a highlight reel-worthy moment. It’s a strong contender for Knockout of the Year, alongside other memorable finishes.
Irene Aldana and Karol Rosa‘s brawl was a testament to their grit. Their fight was a striking-heavy affair that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Cody Garbrandt‘s knockout win has sparked talks of a comeback. While skepticism remains, his recent performance suggests a glimmer of hope for his future in the division.
In MMA, the present often overshadows the past. Garbrandt’s victory has fans hopeful, but the road ahead remains uncertain. Only time will tell if he can reclaim his former glory.