After A Great Match, Leon Edwards Wins Gunnar Nelson Via Unanimous Decision!
UFC on ESPN+ 5 is happening live tonight (Saturday, March 16, 2019) from inside O2 Arena in London, England.
The co-main event of the evening brings a fantastic Welterweight bout between the former BAMMA 170-pound champion Leon “Rocky” Edwards and BJJ and Goju-ryu Karate black belt Gunnar “Gunni” Nelson.
The third man inside the Octagon is Kevin Sataki.
Round 1
Edwards goes for a body kick, just missed. Nelson clinches up, good body strike. Great knees from Edwards, but Gunnar continues going forward.
It seems this was a takedown!
Edwards is dragged back down, trying to get back on his feet, fighting his way up against the fence. Edwards gets back up, but “Gunni” takes him down again. Edwards with a reversal on the fence.
Edwards looking to get the arm wrapped around Nelson, but no luck this time. Nelson defending well, trying to get back on his feet, but Edwards won’t let him.
Edwards with another body lock takedown, what a grappling game!
Edwards nearly took Nelson’s back, but Gunnar is back on his feet. Edwards lands a front kick to the body. The end of the round, I’d say Edwards 10-9, he was more active.
Round 2
Fighters touch gloves, Nelson goes for a high kick, partially blocked. Fighters on the distance, throwing low kicks. Nelson closes the distance, clinches up, Leon escapes.
Edwards delivers a good elbow on the break, great escape. Nelson is inside again, Edwards in the clinch but he is trying to escape. Good reversal by Edwards, and the two separate.
Straight right Nelson, now Edwards is tucked against the cage. Knee to the body Edwards, fighters break away. Nelson closes the distance, but Edwards counters like a pro and escapes, no success for Gunnar this time.
Left elbow Edwards, Gunnar is on the canvas!!!
Ground and pound from hell, now Gunnar is hurt, but he continues fighting. Edwards can’t finish, the end of the round, but Nelson seems hurt. 10-9 Edwards.
Round 3
Nelson attacks early on. He gets inside, goes for a body lock takedown, switches to a single-leg, then a double-leg, but Edwards survives and defends.
He circles away, but Nelson is again clinching up like a leech.
Body lock takedown, both fighters on the mat, great move by Gunnar Nelson.
Nelson in the full mount, he has 30 seconds to finish the match now! Nelson goes for the kill, he is raining punches, is this going to be the stoppage? I don’t think so, the end of the fight. 10-9 Nelson, Edwards was saved by the bell!
Check out highlights below:
OOOOOOHHH!
Gunnar goes down and hangs on as we head to round 2️⃣! #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/O4e5UtKppH
— UFC (@ufc) March 16, 2019
😳 😳 😳 #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/F8V69M32I0
— UFC (@ufc) March 16, 2019
By split decision!@Leon_EdwardsMMA #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/A5eJ0yUHAd
— UFC (@ufc) March 16, 2019
Did @Leon_EdwardsMMA earn the shot at the winner of the main event? #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/adVBcsOaFX
— UFC (@ufc) March 16, 2019
Final Result: Leon Edwards defeats Gunnar Nelson (unanimous decision, 29-28 x 3)
Gunnar Nelson drops to 17-4-1 MMA, 8-4 UFC, Leon Edwards improves the score to 17-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC.