The big problem for Covington is that lead right leg carrying so much damage.

Covington keeps switching his stance but he doesn't look comfortable and almost immediately goes back to his preferred southpaw.

That's 3-0 Edwards for me.

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Rogan
UFC commentator on TNT Sports

This is amazing. Leon Edwards takes Colby Covington down.

You know he did that to prove a point.

Edwards continues to go at Covington's lead right leg with kicks, his thigh is heavily bruised.

Covington shoots for a takedown and he completes it. Edwards looks in trouble for a moment on his back but he works well to get to his feet.

And then Edwards shoots for two legs and secures a takedown of his own.

That has got to be morale-sapping for Covington, beaten at his own game.

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Rogan
UFC commentator on TNT Sports

It's odd seeing Colby fight like this when you've looked at him through his entire career.

That's another round in the bag for Edwards.

Covington returns to his corner at the end of the round and his coach says "you're the challenger".

He needs to do a lot more to stand any chance in this contest. It's a walk in the park for Edwards.

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Rogan
UFC commentator on TNT Sports

Leon is a different animal. You're watching one of the most precise strikers in MMA.

The pace of this fight still remains pretty slow and the fans aren't happy as they start to boo.

Edwards responds with his trademark head kick, you know the one that knocked out Kamaru Usman, but Covington is wise to it and manages to block.

The kicks to the leg are starting to pay dividends, though, as Edwards keeps sinking them in.

Daniel Cormier
Retired two-weight UFC champion on TNT Sports

Look at the bruising on the outside of the leg of Colby.

Covington starts the round with a body kick and then he looks to try and draw Edwards on with some feints.

It's Edwards who comes out on top in the exchange, though, catching Covington with a right hook just by the ear.

Some good variety from Edwards as he switches it up with a kick to the thigh.

Daniel Cormier
Retired two-weight UFC champion on TNT Sports

When a guy smiles at you, that's generally when they let you know you got them with something.

Covington is known for his high levels of cardio but he's not showing any of that so far.

The buzzer goes and that should be one round in the bag for the champion.

Covington returns to his corner and looked a little uncomfortable. Is he carrying an injury?

Much better from Edwards as he lands a left to the head of Covington and the American smiles in an attempt to suggest it didn't do any damage.

And again. Edwards finds a home with his right hand this time.

Covington attempts his first takedown, he didn't seem to fully commit and Edwards wriggles away and out of danger.

There seems to be some blood already on the cheek Covington as Edwards digs a kick into the body.

Daniel Cormier
Retired two-weight UFC champion on TNT Sports

Leon cutting the cage off like this and making sure Colby goes backwards is so important for him defending his championship.

A tentative start as Edwards take the centre and slowly steps forward to inch Covington back towards the octagon.

Covington has a wrestling background so Edwards definitely doesn't want roles reversed with his back to the cage - he'd be a sitting duck for a takedown.

Edwards flicks out a kick to the body, Covington steps away. Edwards aims a kick at the calf and Covington evades again.

Not much landed from either side early on.

Daniel Cormier
Retired two-weight UFC champion on TNT Sports

We asked if Leon would be emotional, but look at him right now. He looks the exact same.

Announcer Bruce Buffer is doing his thing. I always love his little jump when he concludes his trademark "It's timeeeeeee!"

It's all pretty tense in that octagon. Leon Edwards looks so focused as he tries to channel out the boos when his record is read out by Buffer.

The pair meet in the middle for final instructions from referee Herb Dean and no surprise that they opt not to touch gloves.

Off we go!

Image source, Getty Images

UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall: "I think Leon Edwards is going to knock him out, late in the fight - fourth or fifth. He's going to avoid a lot of takedowns, his distance management is absolutely incredible.

"Leon Edwards controls the distance so well, his octagon control is fantastic, so yeah, I think he will hold him off for a little bit, get up a few times, and then knock him out late in the fight."

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman: "That's an intriguing fight. I will be watching that fight closely. Obviously, Colby has that gas tank and is able to push Leon but he's been out for a while now.

"It depends how their styles match up. MMA math is one of the weirdest things to do. Honestly, I can't pick."

UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad: "Colby's been running since 2017 and Leon's been running since 2021. I'm just happy I don't have to chase them down anymore. This weekend, I find out."

Daniel Cormier
Retired two-weight UFC champion on TNT Sports

Leon Edwards is getting even better. If you can't take him down, what are you going to do?