Leon Edwards is favored against Colby Covington at UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington on Saturday, December 16 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event is one of five fights on the main pay-per-view card. Edwards is 21-3 in his career, while Covington is 17-3 in his career. There are a total of 14 fights, with five on Pay-Per-View, four on ESPN2/ESPN+, and five on ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass at UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington. Let’s look at the bout between Edwards and Covington and UFC predictions.
UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, December 16 with 14 fights, with five Pay-Per-View, four on ESPN2/ESPN+, and five on ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.
UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington Betting
Leon Edwards (21-3, 13-2 UFC)
Edwards came into the UFC with a record of 8-1 and he has 13 wins and two losses in the UFC. In his last six fights, he has six wins and no losses. He defeated Donald Cerrone by unanimous decision, Gunnar Nelson by split decision, Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision, Nate Diaz by unanimous decision, and Kamaru Usman twice with once by KO and once by majority decision. Edwards’ last loss in his career was against Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision in December of 2015. Edwards has been a pro since 2011 and he has seven wins by TKO/KO and three by submission. He has four first round finishes.
Edwards said this to sportskeeda.com about his upcoming fight against Covington, “I think everyone knows what he's coming out to do. He is coming out to heavy pressure, swing boxing to shoot on to you and grind you out, burn the clock down, and win that way, you know. I think everyone knows what he coming to do and I'm prepared for it.”
Edwards also said this to mmajunkie.usatoday.com about his upcoming fight against Covington, “Like I said, this is his fourth title shot. I feel like he knows this is his last one. As far as what’s on the line for me, how long it took me to get it, so I feel like we’ve both got a lot to prove in there. So, I am 100 percent focused for the best Colby. I know he’s been out for almost two years come December. But, I just can’t see what he goes in there and does. I’ve been the active one. I’m the younger one….. But I am focused on going out there, taking him out, defending my belt for a second time, just carrying on my journey. He’s just another guy that’s in my way, and I’m going to take him out.”
Colby Covington (17-3, 12-3 UFC)
Covington came into the UFC with a record of 5-0 and he has 12 wins and three losses in the UFC. In his last six fights, he has four wins and two losses. He defeated Rafael dos Anjos by unanimous decision, Robbie Lawler by unanimous decision, Tyron Woodley by TKO, and Jorge Masvidal by unanimous decision; while losing to Kamaru Usman twice with once by TKO and once by unanimous decision. Covington has been a pro since 2012 and he has four wins by TKO/KO and four by submission. He has three first round finishes.
Striking Stats
Strikes landed per minute: Edwards 2.80 / Covington 4.10
Striking Accuracy: Edwards 53% / Covington 39%
Strikes absorbed per minute: Edwards 2.40 / Covington 3.05
Defense: Edwards 53% / Covington 55%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Edwards 1.26 / Covington 4.05
Takedown Accuracy: Edwards 33% / Covington 45%
Takedowns defended: Edwards 69% / Covington 72%
Submission average: Edwards 0.3/ Covington 0.2
UFC Picks
I have to agree with Edwards in what he said. Covington hasn’t fought in almost two years and why is he going to come in off a layoff and be able to handle Edwards? These two have faced Kamaru Usman twice and Edwards won both of his fights, while Covington lost both of his. I think the price on Edwards should actually be higher; at least 2-1. I expect Edwards to do what he normally does and that is win, so I will lay the price and take Edwards in this fight.
| DATE |
FIGHTERS |
MONEY LINE |
| 12/16 |
Colby Covington |
+131 |
| Leon Edwards |
-165 |
| 12/16 |
Brandon Royval |
+147 |
| Alexandre Pantoja |
-186 |
| 12/16 |
Stephen Thompson |
+431 |
| Shavkat Rakhmonov |
-650 |
| 12/16 |
Tony Ferguson |
+248 |
| Paddy Pimblett |
-330 |
| 12/16 |
Vicente Luque |
+277 |
| Ian Garry |
-375 |
| 12/16 |
Brian Kelleher |
+168 |
| Cody Garbrandt |
-215 |
| 12/16 |
Alonzo Menifield |
+194 |
| Dustin Jacoby |
-250 |
| 12/16 |
Shamil Gaziev |
+121 |
| Martin Buday |
-152 |
| 12/16 |
Karol Rosa |
+161 |
| Irene Aldana |
-205 |
| 12/16 |
Muslim Salikhov |
+214 |
| Randy Brown |
-280 |
| 12/16 |
Ariane Lipski |
+154 |
| Casey O’Neill |
-195 |
| 12/16 |
Cody Durden |
+139 |
| Tagir Ulanbekov |
-175 |
| 12/16 |
Lucas Almeida |
+139 |
| Andre Fili |
-175 |
| 12/16 |
Josh Emmett |
+172 |
| Bryce Mitchell |
-220 |
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