Leon Edwards survives a late onslaught to beat a bloodied Nate Diaz on points at UFC 263… as the Brit stakes his claim for a world title fight with Kamaru Usman
- Leon Edwards survived a late scare to beat a bloodied Nate Diaz at UFC 263
- The Brit dominated the first four rounds of their fight in Arizona on Saturday
- Diaz was left covered in blood after Edwards caught his with his elbow
- But the American almost caused a shock with a late flurry of punches
Leon Edwards survived a late onslaught to outpoint a bloodied Nate Diaz at UFC 263 and stake a claim for a shot at a welterweight title fight with Kamaru Usman.
The Brit had looked in control of the fight in Arizona, dominating the first four rounds and most of the final one before a left hand from Diaz left him clinging on at the end.
Edwards had caught Diaz with his elbow in the third round to leave the American with blood pouring from the right side of his head and over his left eye.
Leon Edwards survived a late onslaught to outpoint Nate Diaz in the Octogon on Saturday
Diaz was left covered in blood after Edwards caught him with his elbow in the third round
But the American almost produced a shock in the final round with a late flurry of punches
He then landed a huge left hand at the beginning of the fourth as blood continued to drip down Diaz’s body and Edwards continued to dominate with the American needing a final-round stoppage.
Undeterred, Diaz stayed alive and almost produced a shock at the end as a late flurry threatened to stop Edwards in the closing stages.
But the 29-year-old managed to stay on his feet to get a unanimous decision from the judges.
Edwards dominated the majority of the fight and landed a huge left hand in the fourth round
The 29-year-old has gone 10 fights without defeat and is in a strong position for a title fight with Kamaru Usman
‘Nate’s a veteran, he gave it everything including the kitchen sink,’ said Edwards after the fight. ‘He gave it everything and he got my respect.
‘I got caught with the bank hand, it slipped through the guard. He hit me hard enough to wobble me, I’ve only been wobbled once in my career so fair play.
‘I’m young, I’m still learning and I Iook forward to my title shot. I didn’t feel no pressure, it was another fight and I approached it like another fight; I didn’t build it up in my head to be something its not.
‘Like I said, Nate’s a veteran and he’s gained my respect in there tonight and I look forward to my world title shot.’
The bout also marked the first time in UFC history that a non-main event, non-title fight went five rounds instead of three.
Edwards has now gone 10 fights without defeat and has put himself in a strong position to face welterweight champion Usman, who he lost to back in 2015.