Leon Edwards (17-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) now has a seven-fight winning streak after rushing out to an early start and hanging on for a decision win over Gunnar Nelson (17-4-1 MMA, 8-4 UFC).

The welterweight bout was the co-main event of today’s UFC on ESPN+ 5 show at The O2 in London. It streamed on ESPN+.
The two men engaged on the feet to start the contest before Nelson moved into the clinch, dragging the fight to the floor shortly after. Edwards was able to briefly sneak to his feet, but Nelson was quick to drag him down again. Edwards showed some resolve, battling back to his feet and then perhaps surprisingly lifting Nelson in the air and throwing him to the floor. Edwards tried to sneak around to the back, but Nelson used the fence to prevent the move. Edwards stayed patient in his approach, landing a few short punches inside, but Nelson eventually created enough space to scramble back to the feet, where they finished the round.

Edwards was calm on the feet to start the second, looking very relaxed as he readied to strike. Nelson was able to move briefly into the clinch but couldn’t get the fight to the floor. Another clinch shortly after saw Edwards stay upright and push his opponent away. Nelson continued to press forward, but once he got his hands on Edwards, he wasn’t able to advance from there. A short left hook sent Nelson crashing to the floor, and Edwards jumped on top with additional punches and elbows that seemed certain to end the fight. Somehow, Nelson lasted until the bell.

With his right eye busted up, Nelson still walked forward to start the third. Edwards was content to work at range, but Nelson again pushed into a clinch and began hunting for a takedown. Edwards was up to the task, and he defended perfectly before pulling away. Nelson was desperate to get the fight to the floor, but Edwards continued to defend well and even scored his own brief takedown before going back to the center of the cage.

Nelson finally got top position with a little more than a minute remaining, quickly stepping over to mount. Edwards held tight underneath, leaving Nelson with few options. He landed a few punches inside but couldn’t find a submission before the bell. In the end, Edwards’ early work proved enough, and he took home a decision win – though he had to sweat out a split read, 28-29, 29-27 and 29-28.

“I feel amazing after that,” Edwards said after the victory. “I’m on a seven-fight win streak in the hardest division in the world. I’m really pleased with my progress. Right now I’m looking ahead to my next fight. I want to take on the winner of (Darren Till vs. Jorge Masvidal) and make a statement.”