UFC 286 press conference LIVE: Highlights as Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman face off
Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman headline UFC 286
The UFC 286 press conference took place in London on Thursday (16 March), as Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman came face to face ahead of their main-event clash.
Edwards knocked out Usman in stunning fashion in August, taking the welterweight title from the Nigerian-American in the final minute of their rematch – seven years after losing to Usman on points.
The old foes will square off once more on Saturday, in a trilogy bout at the O2 Arena in London, as Jamaican-born Briton Edwards defends the belt for the first time.
In the co-main event, former lightweight title challenger Justin Gaethje faces rising contender Rafael Fiziev, and both men also appeared at Thursday’s press conference in the English capital.
Re-live updates from the UFC 286 press conference, below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
That’s all from the UFC 286 press conference!
Tomorrow, at 9am GMT, we’ll have live updates from the weigh-ins in London!
Don’t forget to visit The Independent Sport page then…
Alex Pattle16 March 2023 18:01
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Anik: “This is one of the bigger fights we’ve had; I can’t f***ing wait.”
Alex Pattle16 March 2023 17:54
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Usman: “We love this interaction with the fans, but once we’re locked in there and they lock that door, it’s just him and me – his heart versus mine.”
Alex Pattle16 March 2023 17:51
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Fiziev acknowledges the fans chanting his name, by smiling and giving them a fist pump.
Alex Pattle16 March 2023 17:49
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
It’s starting to get heated between Edwards and Usman now!
Usman mocks the speech that Edwards’ coach gave him before the fifth round in August.
“You’re letting him bully you, son,” Usman says, mimicking the accent of Edwards’ coach Dave Lovell.
Alex Pattle16 March 2023 17:46
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Edwards is asked about the altitude affecting him in the fight last August.
Usman: “What was the excuse for the first fight?”
Edwards: “What was the excuse for the f***ing head kick you got?”
Alex Pattle16 March 2023 17:44
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Gaethje: “It’s the most violent f***ing game in the world that we’re playing on Saturday. This [talk] is all bulls***.”
Alex Pattle16 March 2023 17:42
UFC 286 press conference LIVE
Edwards: “I’m proud to be adopted by the UK, and I’m proud to be Jamaican, too. I’ll be representing both on Saturday.”
Alex Pattle16 March 2023 17:41
