Leon Edwards remains unbeaten across 12 matches
UFC 296 Showdown: Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas Date: Saturday, December 16
Coverage: Catch live updates of Garry’s bout and Leon Edwards’ title defense on Sport News Center’s website and app starting 04:00 GMT, Sunday, December 17.
In late November, Leon Edwards is deeply engrossed in his last wrestling session at his training camp, prepping for his Las Vegas departure.
Clad in training attire and a beanie due to Birmingham’s chilly weather, Edwards and his fellow fighters steam up the air with their intense workouts.
During a practice match, Edwards listens carefully to Kamby Banger, his coach, who suggests improvements in his weight shifting technique.
Edwards, receptive to the advice, quickly demonstrates his learning by dominating the next practice session, culminating in a rear-naked choke submission.
At age 32, Edwards’ humility and eagerness to evolve are key factors propelling him towards excellence.
Discussing his journey with Sport News Center, Edwards reflects, “Becoming a champion solidifies your self-belief and team trust. My confidence has skyrocketed. Everything aligns – the gym routine, team dynamics, and my long-held belief of becoming a world champion.”
With just over two weeks to UFC 296, Edwards gears up for his second welterweight title defense against American Colby Covington at the T-Mobile Arena on December 16.
Post-training, Edwards receives a round of applause and well-wishes from the gym.
Reflecting on his achievements, Edwards says, “I’m riding an 11-fight winning streak, one of UFC’s longest. I aim to keep defeating new contenders, securing my legacy as one of the greatest.”
‘Covington, My Polar Opposite’
After his stunning victory over Kamaru Usman last August, marking him as Britain’s second UFC champion after Michael Bisping in 2016, Edwards successfully defended his title against Usman in March. He now eagerly anticipates the new challenge Covington brings, acknowledging their stark differences.
Covington’s aggressive, wrestling-centric approach contrasts with Edwards’ strategic counter-striking. Their personalities also diverge significantly. Edwards exudes a quiet confidence, while Covington, a former interim welterweight champion, is known for his flamboyant suits, provocative trash talk, and headline-grabbing antics reminiscent of WWE.
Edwards, unfazed by Covington’s theatrics, chuckles at the ‘Leon Edwards-Scissorhands’ nickname Covington coined for him. He comments, “Covington’s character, crafted for his UFC career, is completely opposite to mine. It’s amusing, like a WWE act, which fans find entertaining. I see his banter as harmless, as we’re fundamentally different people with no chance of friendship inside or outside the ring.”
‘A Press Conference Like No Other’
The event also features vocal fighters like Britain’s Paddy Pimblett and Ireland’s Ian Garry.
Pimblett, 28, is set to face lightweight Tony Ferguson, while 26-year-old Garry will compete against Vicente Luque in the welterweight division.
Edwards predicts, “The press conference will be unforgettable, filled with dynamic personalities. It’s going to be an enjoyable experience.”
Recently, Edwards has clashed with Garry, who claimed he was expelled from Edwards’ gym. Edwards counters, “Garry’s presence in the gym, always recording and bringing family along, created an uncomfortable atmosphere. We prioritize a close-knit, trustworthy environment, so his departure was inevitable.”
Dismissing any notion of fear, Edwards asserts, “My training includes various welterweights. Garry once shared insights about Usman, his former training partner, which makes me cautious about his intentions. Nonetheless, I wish him success.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC 296 Leon Edwards
What is the main event at UFC 296?
The main event at UFC 296 is the welterweight title defense by Leon Edwards against American fighter Colby Covington, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 16.
How has Leon Edwards prepared for his fight at UFC 296?
Leon Edwards has undergone rigorous training, including a final wrestling class at his camp before heading to Las Vegas. His coach, Kamby Banger, has been instrumental in refining his techniques and strategy.
What is the contrast between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington?
Leon Edwards and Colby Covington are described as polar opposites. Edwards is known for his humble and adaptable approach, focusing on counter-striking, whereas Covington is noted for his high-pressure wrestling style and brash, outspoken personality.
How does Leon Edwards view Colby Covington’s persona?
Edwards finds Covington’s WWE-like persona amusing and sees it as part of the sport’s entertainment aspect. He acknowledges their different personalities but doesn’t take Covington’s theatrics personally.
What is Leon Edwards’ outlook on his UFC career?
Leon Edwards is confident and believes that his continued success in defending his title will cement his legacy as one of the greatest in UFC history. He is on an 11-fight winning streak and aims to keep defeating new contenders.
Are there other notable fighters at UFC 296?
Yes, the event also features other outspoken fighters such as Britain’s Paddy Pimblett and Ireland’s Ian Garry. Pimblett will face Tony Ferguson, and Garry is set to compete against Vicente Luque.
More about UFC 296 Leon Edwards
- Leon Edwards’ UFC Profile
- Colby Covington’s Fighter Statistics
- UFC 296 Event Details
- History of Welterweight Champions
- Overview of T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Analysis of Wrestling and Counter-Striking Techniques in UFC
- Profiles of Paddy Pimblett and Ian Garry
- Insights into UFC Press Conferences and Fighter Personalities
- History of British Fighters in UFC
- Comparison of UFC and WWE Entertainment Styles
6 comments
man, edwards is such a humble dude, really shows in his interviews, hope he knocks covington out tho, that guy talks way too much trash!
i like edwards approach to training, always learning and adapting. That’s what makes a champ. Covington’s just all show no substance.
edwards needs to step up his trash talk game Covington’s running circles around him in the media, but hey, maybe he lets his fists do the talking.
Edwards’ counter-striking game is top-notch, but don’t underestimate Covington’s wrestling. This fight’s gonna be a clash of styles, really excited to see how it plays out.
Can’t wait for UFC 296! T-Mobile Arena’s gonna be lit! Edwards vs Covington is gonna be epic. Got my tickets and everything, see y’all there!
Covington’s “Leon Edwards-Scissorhands” nickname lol, he’s always got something funny to say. Makes the fights more interesting, but can he back it up in the ring?