The Brummie bruiser retained his welterweight title on Saturday night with a majority decision victory over the former pound-for-pound champion in the main event of UFC 286 at London’s O2 Arena.

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MMA fans were divided over the outcome of Edward’s first title defence, which many believe Usman edged.

Two of the judges scored the first two rounds in favour of Edwards, with one giving Usman the second stanza.

All three judges were in unison with their scoring of the third, in which Edwards was deducted a point.

Veteran judge Ben Cartlidge scored the fourth stanza in favour of Usman and gave the fifth to Edwards.

And judges David Lethaby and Chris Lee scored both fights in favour of the defending champion.

The former street kid turned Birmingham community icon Edwards was overcome with emotion after retaining the strap.

He said: “He didn’t get any takedowns and I was defending multiple of his shots.

“I want to say thank you to him, he’s been a great competitor.

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“I was trying to get the head kick, but fair play to him because he had perfect defence.”

Usman cut a dejected figure but insisted his second loss on the bounce won’t send him into retirement.

He said: “I think I did enough to win but it was close, I’m not done and I’ll see him again.

“He put on a hell of a gameplan.

“I’m going to get back to my coaches because I can’t sit out for too long, I start getting antsy.”