Leon Edwards will seek to close out the year on a high note as he prepares to fight Colby Covington in a battle for the UFC Welterweight Championship at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Covington is set to make a comeback to the Octagon after an absence of nearly two years, aiming to secure a UFC title after two unsuccessful attempts.
Edwards steps into the arena with great confidence, securing victory in eleven of his last twelve bouts. Covington, a prominent challenger in his own regard, faces the challenge of overcoming rustiness, having not competed since his March 2022 win against Jorge Masvidal.
We took a look at the odds provided by William Hill as the UFC 296 main event draws near. What should be your betting plan for Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington? Our analysis will present you with all you need to know.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 14th, 12:30 P.M. (GMT)
Unsurprising, Leon Edwards is the odds-on favourite to win this bout. He is at 1.57 to defend his title successfully, but Colby Covington is not far behind, who is at 2.37 to snatch the title away from Edwards.
Bookmaker William Hill is leaning towards a Leon Edwards victory by decision, standing at 2.60 odds. However, the payout for a Colby Covington win isn’t significantly different at 3.25. This suggests the general anticipation of a closely contested match. The knockout odds for Edwards and Covington are at 3.50 and 5.00, respectively.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 14th, 12:30 P.M. (GMT)
The sight of Edwards securing the UFC Welterweight Championship with a sensational head kick to knock out Kamaru Usman is still fresh in the memory of MMA fans. Following his triumph in Salt Lake City, Edwards emerged victorious against Usman again in London. The Saturday night showdown against Covington, therefore, will be his first title defence against a fighter other than the Nigerian-American star.
On the surface, this fight promises to be an evenly matched showdown between two fighters with different strengths and weaknesses. Covington, who brings years of experience to the Octagon, will try to make life difficult for the reigning welterweight champion with relentless pressure. Edwards, on the contrary, will rely on his takedown defence and striking finesse to tilt the balance of the fight in his favour.
All that said, Covington’s prolonged absence from UFC action could be a significant factor. We don’t believe the 35-year-old will be able to match Edwards’ intensity in the arena. It will be too big of a challenge for him too soon, so a Leon Edwards win by decision seems to be the best option to bet on.
