Rogan Questions Edwards' Strategy Despite Victory Over Covington
At UFC 296, Leon Edwards successfully defended his title with a convincing unanimous decision over Colby Covington. The judges were in agreement, scoring the fight 49-46 in favor of the reigning champion. Edwards' strategy involved utilizing precise kicks to maintain distance and control the pace of the bout, a tactic that served him well for the majority of the contest.
However, despite the clear victory, renowned commentator Joe Rogan critiqued Edwards' approach. Rogan highlighted what he perceived as tactical errors made by Edwards, particularly his choice to engage Covington in grappling exchanges. "What was interesting is that he made choices tonight that were not the best choices to win the fight but almost like to prove a point," Rogan reflected post-fight.
"Like, he chose to engage Colby in grappling in moments where he did not have to, where he could have defended and got back up to his feet. I think that would be a better path to victory where he could have completely dominated the fight, absolutely dominated it," Rogan added.
Edwards, for his part, acknowledged this strategic decision, admitting his intent to showcase his ability to take down Covington. This choice to grapple, however, allowed Covington to mount an offense in the final round, leading to Edwards losing Round 5 on all three judges' scorecards.
"He found himself on the bottom at the end of the fight getting punched by Colby, which really didn't have to happen," Rogan continued. "That's not the way you want to see a guy who's as good as Leon Edwards fight. You don't want to see him make ego-based decisions when you don't have to, especially when he's so superior standing up."
Fan Reaction and Personal Tensions
The criticism from Rogan sparked a mixed reaction among fans, with some accusing the veteran commentator of bias. The championship clash between Edwards and Covington had been intensely personal, adding a layer of drama to the encounter.
The buildup to the fight was marred by Covington's controversial remarks regarding Edwards' late father, which incited a furious response from Edwards during the press conference. "We'll say 'what's up' to your dad while we're there," Covington said provocatively. Edwards replied with vehemence, stating, "That man is as good as dead tomorrow. Make sure you keep everything you said about my dad because tomorrow we settle it."
Covington's pre-fight narrative also included a political angle, expressing his desire for former President Donald Trump to present the belt if he won. Following his defeat, Covington, draped in an American flag, remained defiant, referencing a familiar political slogan: "You can delay us but you can't deny us. He's going to make America great again."
Looking Forward
Despite the criticisms and the heated build-up to their fight, Edwards' performance at UFC 296 solidified his position as the welterweight champion. His use of kicks to control the distance was effective, and his willingness to engage in grappling, albeit questioned by Rogan, demonstrated a versatile skill set.
As the dust settles, the MMA community will continue to debate the decisions made by Edwards in the Octagon. Some may see his choice to grapple as a misstep, potentially offering Covington a glimmer of hope in the final round. Others might view it as a champion willing to test his abilities across all facets of mixed martial arts, even against a wrestler of Covington's caliber.
Regardless of the differing opinions, one fact remains undisputed: Leon Edwards emerged from UFC 296 with his title reign intact, and his future as a dominant force in the welterweight division looks promising. The controversy and personal animosities that fueled the fire leading up to the fight only add to the legacy of what has become a memorable chapter in UFC history.