Leon Edwards has been hailed for ‘proving’ that he is ‘levels’ above the likes of Colby Covington with a statement win at UFC 296.
In what was a fairly underwhelming contest given Covington’s lack of production, Edwards maintained control to take victory by unanimous decision.
The Brit executed a leg kick-heavy game plan while negating most of Covington’s takedown attempts to tally 49-46 across all three score cards.
But rather than focus on the lack of highlight moments from the fight, UFC fans focused on the gulf between the fighters, only strengthened in their belief that Edwards is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.
‘Leon Edwards froze Colby Covington today,’ one fan wrote.
Leon Edwards defended his welterweight title by defeating Colby Covington at UFC 296
Fans were full of praise for Edwards’ ‘focused’ display as he ‘proved a point’ in this victory
‘Colby couldn’t afford to be reckless in his entries like he is against everyone else because he knew Leon could snipe him.
‘He’s one of the pound for pound best fighters in the world and he was levels above Colby.’
A second wrote: ‘Seeing Leon Edwards rise above the BS, stay focused and put on another incredible performance is so admirable. Take a bow.’
The ‘BS’ referenced refers to the pre-fight build-up in which Covington made a sick reference to Edwards’ deceased father.
‘After so much talk leading up to the fight, discrediting Edwards and mentioning his dead father, Covington looked terrified to engage with the champ,’ another fan summarised afterwards.
‘Good to see that @leon_edwardsmma was able to keep his composure and show the world what he is made of.’
Another fan wrote: ‘That’s the way to handle business.’
Professional UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili wrote: ‘Congratulations @leon_edwardsmma great performance.’
Others hailed Edwards for his ‘pure class’ and for ‘handling business’ in a dominant display
‘This fight was very emotional for me,’ Edwards said following his unanimous decision victory. ‘This guy used my dad’s death as entertainment. He used my dad’s murder as entertainment, and it took a lot for me to calm down, stay focused and come win this fight.
‘I spoke to my coaches, I spoke to my mum and I kind of shut it all down.’
He continued: ‘After the press conference I went backstage and I was crying just from the rage. You can’t use my dad’s death as entertainment, and that’s what he did.
‘To this day it still breaks my heart that he got murdered. He said my dad should burn in hell.’
Edwards then rounded off his post-fight interview with a stinging assessment of Covington’s character.
‘He’s a great competitor, but just a dirty human being.’
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