UFC 263 featured the first-ever 5-round non-title fight in the history of the UFC – Nate Diaz vs Leon Edwards. Nate Diaz made his return to the Octagon after almost 2 years. His last fight was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 in November 2019 for the BMF Title, which he lost via. TKO (Doctor Stoppage).
Leon Edwards, on the other hand was coming off a no-contest against Belal Muhammad, earlier this year in March. Besides this, he had been on an unbelievable win streak of 8. He hadn’t lost a fight since December 2015.
Round 1:
Diaz tried his unorthodox method of striking the Brit. The Brit responded with several leg kicks. A lot of distance was maintained by Diaz. A leg kick from Diaz. Then a left hand from Edwards landed. Diaz then landed a couple of shots. Edwards then took Diaz to the ground. Diaz defended with his right leg to keep the second hook from getting sunk in. They got back after Edwards landed a few ground strikes. 10-9 Edwards
Round 2:
Leg kick from Edwards began the round. Right hand landed from both the fighters. Strong leg kick again from Edwards. The right leg of Diaz looked trashed. Then an inside leg kick from Diaz. Edwards then took Diaz to the ground. He was showing no weakness in his game. Strong leg kick from Edwards again, which stung Diaz. Hard left hand from Edwards connected. Diaz then landed a strong left hand. Spinning back elbow from Edwards ended the round. 10-9 Edwards
Nate Diaz is as tough as people come!
Round 3:
Massive left hand from Edwards began the round. Nasty leg kick again from Edwards. Diaz’s calf looked heavily damaged. Edwards then took Diaz to the ground. Edwards landed a nasty elbow, which cut open Diaz. A lot of blood. Leg kick again from Edwards. Huge elbow from Edwards to end the round. 10-9 Edwards
Round 4:
Big right hand from Diaz began the round. Edwards responded with a leg kick. A huge left from Edwards hurt Diaz. A clean left from Edwards again landed. Diaz then caught Edwards with a clean left hand. Edwards left reopened Diaz’s cut again. 10-9 Edwards
Round 5
One-two from Edwards began the round. Strong left hand from Edwards after a brief clinch. Nate then switched to orthodox. A clean left from Edwards. Left hand from Diaz out of nowhere. They clinched once again. Diaz caught Edwards again. Edwards then responded with three clean shots. A late scare of epic proportions from Diaz. Diaz landed umpteen strikes as Edwards looked groggy, almost on the verge of being knocked out. 10-9 Diaz
Winner : Leon Edwards def. Nate Diaz via. unanimous decision (49-46×3)
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