Leon Edwards defends UFC welterweight title with dominant win over Colby Covington in front of Donald Trump

Leon Edwards retained his UFC welterweight title with a dominant victory over Colby Covington in front of Donald Trump in Las Vegas.

The 32-year-old Briton claimed a 12th successive win with a unanimous decision over his American opponent.

After Covington had made toxic remarks about his late father in the build-up, this was a sweet win for Edwards.

The judges scored it 49-46, 49-46, 49-46 in his favour.

Trump was octagon-side to support Covington, who had said pre-fight that the former American president would wrap the title around his waist if he beat Edwards.

Covington had sparked controversy during the build-up this week, promising to take Edwards to “hell” to meet his late father, who was murdered in London in 2004.

Speaking after the fight, Edwards said: “This fight was very emotional for me. This guy used my dad's death as entertainment, he used my dad's murder as entertainment and it took a lot for me to clam down, stay focused and come into this fight.

“After the press conference, I was crying backstage because of the rage. You can't use my dad's death."

Edwards added: “I know I'm the better athlete but they kept going on about cardio so I wanted to match the cardio.

“I wanted to grapple with him. I'm a mixed martial artist, so I wanted to come out here and prove my case.

“I feel like I was the much better athlete and technician. He's good, a great competitor but a dirty human being."