UFC 286: Edwards Vs. Usman 3 Preliminary And Undercard Live Results, Recaps: Gaethje Outworks Fiziev In Co-Main Event
The welterweight championship rubber match between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards is set to take place on Saturday, 18th March 2023, as the main event of UFC 286.
In their previous encounter, Usman had a dominant performance but Edwards managed to secure a knockout victory with a head kick in the last minute of the fifth round, thus ending Usman’s lengthy reign as the champion.
Although Usman has dominated in their two previous encounters, winning nearly every moment of both fights, it is the Edwards head kick that left a lasting impression and stands out as the defining moment in their rivalry.
As for the co-main event of the evening, Justin Gaethje will strive to uphold his standing as one of the top lightweight fighters in UFC as he faces off against Rafael Fiziev, an up-and-coming talent.
The battle is anticipated to be a thrilling spectacle of non-stop action, featuring two powerful strikers capable of finishing the fight in an instant.
The preliminary fights include exciting matchups too. Gunnar Nelson, who is skilled in submission, is returning to compete against the aggressive Bryan Barberena.
Meanwhile, the event begins with a significant fight in the middleweight category, as former title challenger Marvin Vettori faces off against the up-and-coming fighter Roman Dolidze.
The early preliminaries are scheduled to start at 5pm UK time, followed by the preliminaries at 7pm, and the main card at 9pm.
Follow the Live Results, Recaps, and Highlights below, provided by FIGHT SPORTS
Live Results: Main Card 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV
Co-Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev– UFC Lightweight Division
Fiziev began the fight strongly by targeting Gaethje’s legs as the American started slowly. However, Gaethje picked up the pace midway through the round and landed some effective overhand rights. Gaethje ended the round strongly.
During the fight, Gaethje accidentally poked his opponent in the eye which led to some difficulties. However, both fighters quickly resumed their intense exchange of punches and are now executing their combinations skillfully.
With barely anything to split between them, Gaethje came out victorious.
AS ADVERTISED!!!!!!!!!! 🤯😳 #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/HXT5czKUc7
— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2023
Official result: Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev by majority decision (29-28 x2, 28-28)
Gunnar Nelson vs Bryan Barberena-Welterweight
Nelson managed to take Barberena down and attempted to submit him, but Barberena defended himself well. Suddenly, Nelson surprised him by applying an armbar, forcing Barberena to submit. This resulted in a first-round victory for ‘Gunnar.’
Gaethje and Fiziev both went for big hits. Gaethje managed to tag Fiziev, but then he gets hit hard and was momentarily stunned. Later, Gaethje landed a significant hit after breaking out of a clinch.
Gunnar Nelson Vs Bryan Barberena #UFC286#gunnarnelson #bryanbarberena pic.twitter.com/IpQS1fggft
— Ozan.21 (@Ozan_krc21) March 18, 2023
Gunnar Nelson def. Bryan Barberena via submission (Armbar) 4:51, round 1
Jennifer Maia vs Casey O’Neill-flyweight
O’Neill landed some effective body kicks in the beginning of the fight, while Maia proved to be a strong opponent and kept up with O’Neill’s strikes. The start of the fight was even, making it difficult to determine a clear winner for the round.
At this point in the fight, Maia seemed to be dictating the speed and tempo. Despite repeatedly using the same attack, O’Neill was not making much headway.
Maia, on the other hand, managed to land a few solid kicks to her opponent’s legs in the final minute, as Maia came out victorious.
amazing fight #8 Jennifer Maia vs #12 Casey O’Neill pure output these flyweight woman put out was 🔥 both were winners leaving everything in ring ultimately @jennimaiaufc getting the unanimous decision @kingcaseymma is going to be one of the best before the end pic.twitter.com/rPIFGGe6zi
— Level UP gaming & everything UFC with Xqseaner (@xqseaner) March 18, 2023
Official result: Jennifer Maia def. Casey O’Neill via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Dolidze appeared to have a slight advantage in striking, while Vettori struggled to keep up. Dolidze landed a strong combination, causing Vettori’s nose to bleed.
Vettori became more urgent in his approach, as Dolidze appeared to be aware that he was ahead. However, Dolidze was not being reckless as he meticulously dismantled Vettori with his striking.
Vettori managed to land a powerful leg kick that earned a smile from Dolidze, but they continued to fight until the last moment, as Vettori came out victorious.
#UFC286 results: Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Full story: https://t.co/UnWRm4bANu pic.twitter.com/JiP3qok9qk
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 18, 2023
Official result: Jennifer Maia def. Casey O’Neill via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Marvin Vettori def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)#UFC286 #MMA
— MMA DIRT (@MMADIRTcom) March 18, 2023
Live Results: Preliminary Card 7 p.m. UK/ 12 p.m on BT Sport pay-per-view
Jack Shore def. Makwan Amirkhani via submission (rear-naked choke) 4:27, round 2
Jack Shore submits Makwan Amirkhani to win his featherweight debut 💪 #UFC286
(via @espnmma) pic.twitter.com/ZbauAlydqt
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) March 18, 2023
Chris Duncan def. Omar Morales via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Chris Duncan par split decision 🤩#UFC286 pic.twitter.com/Xbax68rz4h
— CULTURE MMA (@CultureMMA_) March 18, 2023
Yanal Ashmouz def. Sam Patterson via KO (punches) 1:15, round 1
THE LEFT FLOORED HIM. 😱
💢 Yanal Ashmoz spoils the debut and stays undefeated! #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/AsHkmKfddX
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 18, 2023
Muhammad Mokaev def. Jafel Filho via submission (face crank) 4:32, round 3
Muhammad Mokaev def. Jafel Filho via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 4:32#UFC286
— MMA DIRT (@MMADIRTcom) March 18, 2023
Live Results: Early Prelims 5 p.m. UK / 10 a.m PT
Lerone Murphy def. Gabriel Santos via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Lerone Murphy def. Gabriel Santos via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)#UFC286 #MMA
— MMA DIRT (@MMADIRTcom) March 18, 2023
Christian Leroy Duncan def. Dusko Todorovic via TKO (injury) 1:52, round 1
Christian Leroy Duncan picks up the TKO win after Dusko Todorovic injures his knee at #UFC286
(via @espnmma) pic.twitter.com/2VFvridj64
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) March 18, 2023
Jake Hadley def. Malcolm Gordon via TKO (round 1, 1:01)
Jake Hadley def. Malcolm Gordon via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:01#UFC286 #MMA
— MMA DIRT (@MMADIRTcom) March 18, 2023
Joanne Wood def. Luana Carolina via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Joanne Wood def. Luana Carolina via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)#UFC286 #MMA
pic.twitter.com/bvpJOVD0gF— MMA DIRT (@MMADIRTcom) March 18, 2023
Ludovit Klein and Jai Herbert fight to majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)
Herbert vs. Ludovit Klein ends in a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28). The point deduction denied Jai Herbert the win. #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/5w2gg5W3jU
— AlAudhli العوذلي (@AAudhli) March 18, 2023
Veronica Hardy def. Juliana Miller via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Veronica Hardy vence a Juliana Miller por decisión unánime (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)#UFC286
pic.twitter.com/MeoxALhpfY— SoloMMA (@Solo_MMA) March 18, 2023