This weekend, UFC 286 in London will feature the highly anticipated third fight between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.
The two fighters have already had an exciting history, with Usman having defeated Edwards in 2015, but Edwards managed to secure revenge in a stunning victory at UFC 278 last August. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what will unfold in this thrilling trilogy match.
In a stunning turn of events, 'Rocky' claimed the UFC welterweight title by delivering a devastating fifth-round leg kick that knocked out his rival. This victory not only solidified his place as a champion but also made him only the second fighter from the UK to hold the title.
On Saturday night, the stage is set for the highly anticipated third fight between 'Rocky' and his opponent, with Edwards defending his crown in front of his hometown fans. It promises to be an electric atmosphere as the two fighters engage in battle once again.
An intense final staredown between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) March 17, 2023
Tomorrow night is gonna be 🔥 #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/NzpNVbFDUL
In addition to this thrilling main event, the card will also feature American star Justin Gaethje taking on Rafael Fiziev from Azerbaijan in a highly anticipated lightweight co-main event.
UFC 286: Date and start time
UFC 286 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 18, and is being held at The O2 Arena in London.
The prelims will begin at 7pm before the main card at 9pm.
Edwards vs Usman can then be expected at around 10:30pm.
UFC 286: How to follow
The event will be pay-per-view in the UK and will be shown on BT Sport Box Office for a price of £19.95.
The UFC 286 prelims will be shown on BT Sport 1 from 7pm before switching over to Box Office for the main card at 9pm.
BT TV customers can use their remote control to buy the event while Sky customers can purchase it on channel 490.
It can also be purchased and live-streamed on the BT Sport website.
UFC 286: Fight card
Subject to change
Main card
- MAIN EVENT: Leon Edwards (c) vs Kamaru Usman – for UFC Welterweight Championship
- Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev
- Gunnar Nelson vs Bryan Barberena
- Jennifer Maia vs Casey O’Neill
- Marvin Vettori vs Roman Dolidze
Preliminary card
- Jack Shore vs Makwan Amirkhani
- Chris Duncan vs Omar Morales
- Sam Patterson vs Yanal Ashmoz
- Muhammad Mokaev vs Jafel Filho
Early preliminary card
- Lerone Murphy vs Gabriel Santos
- Christian Leroy Duncan vs Dusko Todorovic
- Malcolm Gordon vs Jake Hadley
- Joanne Wood vs Luana Carolina
- Jai Herbert vs Ludovit Klein
- Julianna Miller vs Veronica Macedo
UFC 286 picks, predictions
| CAMPBELL | BROOKHOUSE | MAHJOURI | MORMILE | WISE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edwards (c) vs. Usman | Usman | Usman | Usman | Edwards | Usman |
| Gaethje vs. Fiziev | Fiziev | Fiziev | Fiziev | Fiziev | Gaethje |
| Nelson vs. Barberena | Barberena | Nelson | Nelson | Nelson | Barberena |
| O'Neill vs. Maia | O'Neill | O'Neill | O'Neill | O'Neill | O'Neill |
| Vettori vs. Dolidze | Dolidze | Vettori | Vettori | Vettori | Vettori |
| Records to date (2023) | 12-3 | 10-5 | 11-4 | 12-3 | 10-5 |
UFC 286: What has been said?
Edwards: “I just want to see how he reacts to getting knocked out cold, and see how he reacts traveling to the UK, seeing how crazy the fans are, and just see how he comes back because he’s not getting any younger.
“He’s, what, 35, 36? Maybe older? Let’s see how he comes back.
“It’ll be a totally different fight, I’ve said it, my coaches have said it. I’ve never lost in the UK, amateur or pro, so I’m excited.
“I love fighting in front of my friends and my family. If he thinks he’s going in there and it’s going to be the same fight, he’s in for a rude awakening.”
Usman: “I’m better and the world knows it.
“He’s the champ and I’ll give that to him, but him and I know.
“I will deal with him March 18,” added Usman. “I’ve never been disrespectful with Leon. If anything, I’ve been the only guy that has given him respect all throughout his career.
“I’m not going to start now. He said a couple things now that have offended me, but I’ll talk to him about that on Saturday night.”