Leon Edwards batters Colby Covington for five rounds as Ferguson LOSES & Strickland BRAWLS

Edwards vs Covington – Round 5

Covington has to go for broke here. What is likely his final crack at welterweight gold is slipping between his fingers.

Edwards lands a good left hook before being taken down against the fence.

Edwards wall-walks and gets a takedown of his own.

He takes the back of Covington and starts to look for a rear-naked choke.

Covington almost gives up his arm to an armbar as he tries to transition out of the bad position but manages to survive.

The challenger spins into Edwards’ guard and looks to go to work with two minutes of the round remaining.

But he was unable to pull off a Hail Mary submission to get his hands on UFC gold.

Edwards vs Covington – Round 4

Covingtin has a telegraphed head kick blocked shortly after the restart.

He’s working hard for a double leg against the fence. Edwards goes for a guillotine but Covington is wise to it and spins out of danger.

A stiff left hand snaps back the head of the challenger, who eats a hard low kick moments later.

Covington works hard for another takedown but Edwards defends it beautifully.

A brief pause to the action due to an accidental low blow but they go right back to it.

Covington lands a good left hand which sends the sweat flying off the face of the champion.

Edwards stuffs a takedown attempt but th ensuing scramble leads to Covington taking his back.

A beautiful reversal from the champ who uses it to get back to his feet with 20 seconds to go.

Edwards vs Covington – Round 3

Covington shoots for a takedown early doors but sees his attempt to ground the fight stuffed.

Edwards is doing a great job of countering when Colby leaves himself vulnerable coming in.

A big double leg from Covington yields success and the arena erupts as their man grounds the champ.

But Edwards gets back to his feet and lands a head kick before shooting for a takedown.

It’s stuffed but he shoots for another – which is successful – before allowing the challenger back to his feet

Edwards continues to put Covington on the back foot. The horn goes.

Edwards vs Covington – Round 2

Covington is tentative to enter striking range for fear of getting countered.

But as I say that, he lands a good straight left on the chin of the champion.

Edwards’s stance switching is giving the challenger a real problem. And it sets up an overhand just before the two-minute mark.

Edwards has a head kick partially blocked before landing a good straight left 40 seconds later.

Boos ring out from the frustrated crowd – who are seemingly directing their anger at Covington.

Edwards vs Covington – Round 1

Edwards takes the centre of the octagon early and looks to feint his way in.

Colby isn’t buying any of them as he’s cheered on by chants of “USA, USA, USA.”:

A front kick up the middle narrowly misses for Edwards, who is happy to take his time and continue to gauge his distance.

A hard leg kick lands for the champ a minute and a half into the round.

Covington is seemingly cautious to enter the pocket, perhaps as he’s aware of Edwards’ slick counter-striking.

Chants of “F**k you, Leon” ring throughout the arena. The champ responds with a big right hand that staggers Covington.

Covington shoots for a takedown with a minute and half of the round left but it’s easily stuffed.

Covington has his head snapped back by a stiff counter left which gives him plenty of food for thought.

Edwards ends the round with a hard low kick.

Trump’s advice to Covington

Colby Covington got some words of encouragement from Donald Trump moments before the biggest fight of his career.

Will they help? We’ll soon find out.