The main event of UFC Singapore saw Donald Cerrone lock horns with Leon Edwards in a welterweight contest. The 26-year-old Edwards was riding high on momentum thanks to his five-fight winning streak. Meanwhile, Cerrone had secured a TKO win over Yancy Medeiros in his last fight.
The upcoming youngster vs. the veteran was the subplot of the fight this time as well and Cerrone seemed fired up due to the same as he had a point to prove. Edwards, on the other hand, had to make a statement to show everyone that he belongs under the spotlight.
Business time. #UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/JlbnnwYkVv
— UFC (@ufc) June 23, 2018
Edwards made his intentions clear early in the first round itself by going for a body kick. He then managed to push Cerrone up against the cage and started working on the clinch which was later broken up by Cerrone. The young Brit also landed some head kicks mid-way through the round.
Busy round for @Leon_EdwardsMMA#UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/jtutQ8FLno
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) June 23, 2018
It was Edwards that looked more composed in the start of the second round as well. Though Cerrone got a clinch at one point in the round, Edwards masterfully escaped and continued troubling Cowboy with some good punches and kicks.
SHOWING UP!@Leon_EdwardsMMA is showing his control in round two. #UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/wLpoNi2NKq
— UFC (@ufc) June 23, 2018
Cerrone came out swinging in the third round and was apparently getting into the head of Edwards. With an improved confidence level, Cerrone was going behind Edwards who was playing the cautious game.
🤠@CowboyCerrone upping the volume#UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/iSnjuEl95M
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) June 23, 2018
Edwards gained back his composure towards the end of the third round and seemed in a better position heading into the fourth. The pace of the fight was comparatively lower in the fourth round. Cerrone got a clinch against the cage and a takedown midway through the round. Edwards, to his credit, escaped from the situation without taking much damage.
In the fifth round as well, it was Cerrone who pushed forward. However, the veteran was having no luck in breaking through the defence of Edwards. A takedown from Cerrone at the three-minute mark of the last round proved to be a game changer.
The late takedown by @CowboyCerrone#UFCSingapore pic.twitter.com/4ECUpdfHF1
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) June 23, 2018
It added pressure on Edwards to bounce back and he tried for just that in the last minute. To the surprise of many, the fight went the distance.
OFFICIAL RESULT: Leon Edwards def. Donald Cerrone via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
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