Leon Edwards is set to defend the UFC welterweight title tonight, as he goes up against Colby Covington in Las Vegas.

The pair will clash in the main event of UFC 296, where Edwards defends the belt for the second time, while Covington challenges for the gold for the third time.

FOLLOW LIVE: UFC 296 – latest updates and results

Edwards won the title with a stunning knockout of Kamaru Usman in 2022, before retaining the belt against his old rival via decision this March. Prior to those bouts, Usman twice retained the title against Covington – via TKO in 2019 and on points in 2021.

Can the controversial Covington – a former interim champion – finally get over the line, as the American looks to dethrone Britain’s second UFC champion ever? Or will Edwards extend his reign?

Here’s all you need to know.

When is UFC 296?

UFC 296 takes place on Saturday 16 December at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The early prelims are set to begin at 11.30pm GMT (4.30pm PT, 6.30pm CT, 7.30pm ET), with the regular prelims following at 1am GMT on Sunday 17 December (6pm PT, 8pm CT, 9pm ET on Saturday).

The main card is then due at 3am GMT on Sunday (8pm PT, 10pm CT, 11pm ET on Saturday).

How can I watch it?

In the UK, the prelims will air live on TNT Sports 1 for subscribers, who can also watch those early fights on discovery+. The main card will then air live on TNT Sports Box Office, costing £19.99 and available to subscribers and non-subscribers. In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.

Odds

Edwards – 4/6

Covington – 6/5

Via Betway.

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Full card (subject to change)

Main card

Leon Edwards (C) vs Colby Covington (welterweight title)

Alexandre Pantoja (C) vs Brandon Royval 2 (flyweight title)

Shavkat Rahkmonov vs Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (welterweight)

Tony Ferguson vs Paddy Pimblett (lightweight)

Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell (featherweight)

Prelims

Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby (light-heavyweight)

Irene Aldana vs Karol Rosa (women’s bantamweight)

Cody Garbrandt vs Brian Kelleher (bantamweight)

Casey O’Neill vs Ariane Lipski (women’s flyweight)

Early prelims

Tagir Ulanbekov vs Cody Durden (flyweight)

Andre Fili vs Lucas Almeida (featherweight)

Martin Buday vs Shamil Gaziev (heavyweight)