Leon Edwards And the Real Winners and Losers from UFC 296 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The "greatest welterweight of all time" is winless in title fights.

Colby Covington's self-proclaimed historical status remained practically unfulfilled once again on Saturday night in Las Vegas, where he lost another decision—his second alongside a TKO in three championship opportunities—to Leon Edwards, the man who's legitimately owned the belt for 16 months.

The official scores were 49-46 across the board, all in the actual champion's favor.

But not surprisingly given his allegiances, Covington implied he'd been robbed based on his expression when the decision was announced, then suggested a nearly two-year layoff impacted his performances, but still said he deserved the nod when chatting afterward with Joe Rogan.

"It was the easiest fight of my life," Covington said. "I thought I won it."

That claim drew loud boos from a crowd that had adored him at the outset, prompting Covington to steer fully into his villainous skid, saying "You're all a bunch of broke b--ches anyway. F--k you."

Meanwhile, Edwards basked contentedly in the glow of his 12th consecutive win and second title defense, extending a run that stretches back to 2015 and includes nine decisions, two KOs and a submission since a loss to Kamaru Usman in their first of three fights.

He landed 57 significant strikes to Covington's 44, and, while each had two takedowns, Edwards defended eight of his challenger's attempts and landed two in three tries of his own.

"I knew I was the better athlete," Edwards said.

"I wanted to make it a match of technique and range and that's what I did. I wanted to grapple with him just to shut him down. To come out here. To prove my case."

Moments later, Belal Muhammad, ranked a spot ahead of Covington at No. 2, staked his claim to be next in line for a shot.

"It was a joke to the division," he said. "That's what happens when you get a bum off the couch after two years. (Covington) didn't back up his talk."