The UFC has officially entered a hiatus until 2024, concluding the year with a final fight card that showcased remarkable knockouts, dominant performances, and a potential “fight of the year” candidate. While various moments captivated fans, the main event of UFC 296, featuring Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, stands out as a significant topic of discussion.
In Las Vegas, Leon Edwards convincingly defended his welterweight title against Colby Covington on Saturday. Edwards showcased superior speed and precision, proving too formidable for Covington, who made his Octagon comeback after nearly a two-year absence.
Before Edwards’ victory, Alexandre Pantoja delivered a masterful performance against Brandon Royval, repeatedly taking down the challenger. Pantoja effortlessly secured his first title defense and is now looking ahead to 2024, aiming to bring stability to the top of the flyweight division. The UFC has officially
Another noteworthy performance came from Shavkat Rakhmonov, who once again avoided the need for judges to secure a win. Rakhmonov’s impressive victory over Stephen Thompson raises the question of whether a title shot is the appropriate next step for the undefeated welterweight. As 2023 comes to a close, the aftermath of UFC 296 will undoubtedly fuel discussions and anticipation for the sport’s return in 2024.
Nothing to really discuss here. Edwards has talked about moving up, and there is actually a case for it. He’s only defended his title twice, but he’s won 12 in a row. He’s taken out Kamaru Usman twice. Now Colby Covington. You can’t say the man doesn’t deserve big opportunities, but at the end of the day, he’s got work to do as a champion. That’s just the reality.