- Covington had joked about the death of Edwards' father in the lead-up to the fight
- After winning via unanimous decision, the Brit tore into his bitter rival
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Leon Edwards addressed Colby Covington in an emotional speech after his victory over the American at UFC 296, labeling him a 'dirty human being' for joking about his father's death.
Edwards cruised to a unanimous decision victory in Las Vegas as Donald Trump watched the action unfold inside the T-Mobile Arena cage.
Despite Covington's plans to have the former US president wrap the welterweight title around his waist if he were to emerge victorious, it was ultimately the Brit whose hand was raised after five dull rounds.
Covington sparked controversy ahead of his showdown with Edwards after making a cruel joke about his rival's late father, who was shot and killed in a London nightclub when the MMA star was just 13.
And after the win, Edwards admitted his opponent's words brought him to tears.
Leon Edwards addressed Colby Covington in an emotional speech after his victory over the American at UFC 296
Edwards defeated Covington on points before labeling him a “dirty human being.”
Covington had made nasty comments about Edwards' late father in the lead-up to the fight
“This fight was very emotional for me,” he said. 'This man used my father's death as entertainment. He used my father's murder as entertainment, and it took a lot for me to calm down, stay focused, and win this fight.
“I talked to my coaches, I talked to my mom, and I shut it all down.”
He continued: 'After the press conference I went backstage and cried with anger. You can't use my father's death as entertainment, and that's what he did.
'To this day it still breaks my heart that he was murdered. He said my father should burn in hell.'
Edwards then wrapped up his post-fight interview with a provocative assessment of Covington's character.
“He's a great competitor, but just a dirty person.”
Edwards enters Saturday's fight having won and defended the title against former champion Kamaru Usman in his last two fights. With this victory he extends his undefeated streak to 13 fights.
The 32-year-old executed a leg kick-heavy game plan while nullifying most of Covington's takedown attempts to score 49-46 on all three scorecards. Although the fight was won soundly, it was not as exciting as fans had hoped.