UFC 296 is set at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, on December 16, 2023.
Leon Edwards (32 years old), with an impressive record of 21 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no contest in his 25-fight career, Edwards has undoubtedly proven himself as a force in the welterweight division. Riding an 11-fight winning streak, he claimed the title from Kamaru Usman in August 2022 and successfully defended it in a homecoming against Usman in March 2023.
Colby Covington (35 years old), a tenacious wrestler with 17 wins and 3 losses in 20 matches, is no stranger to championship opportunities. His last defeat came at the hands of Kamaru Usman in November 2021, setting the stage for a redemption narrative in this upcoming title fight. Covington's wrestling skills and exceptional cardio have been his trademarks, but at 35, age becomes a factor as he tries for his third shot at welterweight gold.
Can Edwards continue his 11-fight winning streak, or will Covington overcome the challenges of age to secure championship gold in his third attempt?
Fights of Interest
The card is looking solid. The main card offers great fights of interest. Be it because of a backstory and as a setup for future fights, or simply for competitive reasons.
Division
Fighter A
Fighter B
Welterweight
Leon Edwards (champ)
Colby Covington
Flyweight
Alexandre Pantoja (champ)
Brandon Royval
Welterweight
Shavkat Rakhmonov
Stephen Thompson
Lightweight
Tony Ferguson
Paddy Pimblett
Welterweight
Vicente Luque
Ian Machado Garry
Can Wonderboy still hang at 40 years old? Will Rakhmonov clip a ticket for a title shot?
Can Machado Garry put an end to the online-drama he has been enduring over the last few weeks?
Will it be a lose-lose proposition for Paddy?
Breakdowns
Dan Hardy: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington | Dan Hardy Breakdown, The War Room Ep. 291
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zitGZ883n4A
Mighty Demetrious Johson: “Leon Is LEGIT” | LEON EDWARDS vs COLBY COVINGTON FILM BREAKDOWN!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BURBKUb-TKc
UFC: EDWARDS vs COVINGTON | UFC 296 Countdown
Who is going to win?
List of UFC events: Wikipedia
UFC fighter rankings: Wikipedia
MMA odds: BestFightOdds
Fighter history: Tapology
UFC ranking page: UFC
Edwards wins by KO/TKO/Submission
Covington wins by KO/TKO/Submission
Edwards wins by Decision
Covington wins by Decision
Other
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Edwards wins by Decision
(60.0%)
3
/ 5
Edwards wins by KO/TKO/Submission
(40.0%)
2
/ 5
