The showdown between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington at UFC 314 was an absolute clinic of strategy, willpower, and raw talent. Fans had been eagerly waiting for this fight to go down, as both men have dominated the welterweight division in their own ways. Edwards, the reigning champion, brought his striking and clinch game to the table, while Covington, known for his relentless pressure and top-notch wrestling, was aiming to prove that he’s still the man to beat in the 170-pound division.

From the moment the bell rang, it was clear that this was going to be an intense battle of styles—Edwards, the calm, calculated striker, against Covington, the relentless, in-your-face wrestler. Let’s break down what happened in this incredible contest from start to finish.

Round 1: The Calm Before the Storm

As the first round began, both fighters approached each other with caution. Edwards, known for his composed striking and methodical approach, established his jab early, using his range to keep Covington at bay. Covington, on the other hand, was immediately looking to close the distance, pressuring Edwards against the cage with his high-output striking and forward movement.

It didn’t take long for Covington to try to implement his signature style—grappling and wrestling. He shot for the first takedown of the fight, but Edwards showed solid defense, sprawling and keeping the fight standing. Edwards was sharp with his kicks, landing a few nice low kicks and following up with stiff jabs. However, Covington’s pressure remained unrelenting, and he continued to move forward, never allowing Edwards to settle into a rhythm.

By the end of the first, it was clear that Covington’s pace was going to be an issue for Edwards. Still, Edwards’ crisp striking had moments of brilliance, particularly when he rocked Covington with a clean left hook in the final seconds of the round. The crowd went wild, and Edwards showed he had the ability to hurt Covington on the feet, but Covington’s aggression and pressure were hard to ignore.

Round 1 Score: Slight edge to Covington for his pace and pressure, but Edwards had his moments with clean strikes.

Round 2: The Takedown Battle

Coming into the second round, Covington started with his usual strategy: relentless forward movement, throwing strikes and looking to close the distance. He attempted another takedown early on, and this time, he succeeded in getting Edwards down to the mat. Edwards, however, is no slouch on the ground and scrambled back to his feet quickly, displaying impressive takedown defense.

Despite being in a clinch position at times, Edwards was still landing good strikes on the exit. He seemed to be finding his rhythm more in the second round, landing a beautiful head kick that seemed to hurt Covington, but Covington’s relentless pace never stopped. Edwards looked to control the distance more, throwing well-timed counter strikes, including a slick elbow as Covington attempted a takedown.

Covington kept the pressure on, however, and as they entered the clinch, he was able to get Edwards back against the cage and land some decent dirty boxing. This round had fans on the edge of their seats as both fighters had moments of control, but Covington’s consistent pressure and his ability to get in close and land strikes in the clinch seemed to give him the advantage in this round.

Round 2 Score: Edge to Covington for his grappling and clinch control, but Edwards was competitive with clean counters and kicks.

Round 3: Edwards Begins to Dominate

As the third round began, it was clear that Edwards had made adjustments after the first two rounds. He started to find his range more effectively, landing some hard punches and continuing to mix in his dangerous head and body kicks. Covington’s aggression was still present, but it seemed like Edwards was starting to pick him apart at range.

Edwards showed incredible footwork, evading Covington’s forward pressure and landing clean, sharp punches in return. Covington, despite his usual intensity, seemed to be wearing down from Edwards’ precise strikes and the accumulation of kicks to the legs.

At one point in the round, Edwards hurt Covington with a clean uppercut that rocked him, but Covington’s durability kept him in the fight. However, Edwards’ ability to mix up his attacks—punches, kicks, and elbows—gave him a significant edge. Covington was still trying to press the action, but Edwards’ striking was starting to show its superiority.

The crowd erupted as Edwards began to take over the round, landing a clean 2-3 combination and following it up with another devastating elbow to the face of Covington. The round ended with Edwards in control, visibly more confident than he was in the earlier rounds.

Round 3 Score: Dominant round for Edwards. He controlled the striking and mixed up his attacks beautifully.

Round 4: The Championship Round

With the championship rounds on the horizon, both fighters knew that they had to dig deep. Covington, despite taking significant damage in the third, came out in the fourth with a renewed sense of urgency. He continued to pressure Edwards with his takedown attempts, but Edwards was staying composed, evading most of the shots.

It was clear that Covington was desperate. He managed to land a couple of solid punches, but Edwards responded with his precise counter-punching. Edwards’ jab was becoming more effective, landing consistently on Covington’s face, and his ability to control range was frustrating the usually aggressive fighter.

However, Covington managed to land a couple of good body shots and keep Edwards against the cage for a few moments, landing some short elbows and punches. But once again, Edwards’ ability to mix up his striking and avoid Covington’s takedowns was the key to him winning this round.

With Covington’s cardio and relentless pace, it was always possible he could turn the tide in his favor, but Edwards showed his composure and skill in managing the distance.

Round 4 Score: Slight edge to Edwards, but Covington’s grit kept him in the fight.

Round 5: The Final Test

The final round started with both fighters showing signs of fatigue. Covington’s face was starting to show the effects of the damage he’d taken, while Edwards remained calm and composed. Covington continued to pressure Edwards, trying to land anything that could turn the tide, but Edwards’ defense was on point.

Edwards continued to land sharp counters, particularly his left hand, which seemed to land clean every time Covington rushed in. As the round wore on, it became clear that Edwards had taken control. He was still moving well, dodging most of Covington’s attacks and landing solid punches in return. Covington tried to shoot for takedowns again, but Edwards was able to defend them all, maintaining his distance with ease.

In the final seconds, Edwards landed a stunning head kick that rocked Covington, and he followed it up with a flurry of strikes that seemed to seal the deal. The crowd was on its feet as Edwards fought smart and tactical in the final minutes, making it nearly impossible for Covington to mount any significant offense.

Round 5 Score: Dominant finish for Edwards, who controlled the final round with superior striking and defense.

Post-Fight: The Verdict

After five rounds of intense back-and-forth action, the judges’ scorecards were read, and it was clear that Leon Edwards had successfully defended his welterweight title in what was an incredibly competitive and tactical fight. Despite the relentless pressure and wrestling of Colby Covington, Edwards’ superior striking, defense, and control of the range were key to his victory.

Final Decision: Leon Edwards wins via unanimous decision, retaining the UFC Welterweight Championship.

Conclusion: Edwards Shines Against Covington

This fight was a testament to Leon Edwards’ growth as a fighter. Despite Colby Covington’s aggressive style and wrestling pressure, Edwards showed that his elite striking and well-rounded game were more than enough to overcome the challenge. With this win, Edwards cemented himself as one of the top fighters in the welterweight division, and his technical skills proved to be too much for Covington to handle.

Fans are now eagerly awaiting what’s next for the welterweight kingpin, but one thing is certain: Leon Edwards has solidified his place as one of the best in the world.