The UFC is set to make its highly anticipated return to London with a blockbuster main event. Former welterweight champion Leon Edwards is reportedly slated to face rising star Jack Della Maddalena in the headliner of UFC Fight Night at The O2 Arena on March 22, 2025.
Leon Edwards UFC Fighter vs. Jack Della Maddalena targeted for #UFCLondon main event in March pic.twitter.com/RXeHOlX2OO
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 13, 2025
This marquee matchup pits the battle-tested Edwards against the surging Della Maddalena in what promises to be a pivotal clash for the welterweight division. Edwards, looking to bounce back from his title loss to Belal Muhammad last July, faces a stern test in the form of the surging welterweight contender from Australia.
Leon Edwards searching for redemption
For Edwards, this bout represents a chance at redemption and a potential path back to title contention. The Birmingham native’s impressive run, which included victories over Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, came to an abrupt halt with his loss to Muhammad. Now, “Rocky” aims to prove he still belongs among the division’s elite.
#AndNew! Belal Muhammad outpoints Leon Edwards by decision to take the title in enemy territory 🏆 #UFC304 pic.twitter.com/JSLeWn9KSK
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 28, 2024
It’s time for a new contender
Della Maddalena, on the other hand, enters this contest riding a wave of momentum. The Perth-based fighter has been nothing short of sensational in his UFC tenure, amassing a perfect 7-0 record in the promotion. His most recent victory, a third-round knockout of former title challenger Gilbert Burns, catapulted him into the upper echelons of the welterweight rankings.
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Gilbert Burns (2024)
📸 @ChrisUnger_ pic.twitter.com/JInUUkdkQa
— Fight Pics That Go Hard (@fightpicsgohard) March 10, 2024
The stylistic matchup between these two fighters is intriguing. Edwards, known for his technical striking and well-rounded skill set, will need to be at his best to counter Della Maddalena’s aggressive, forward-pressing style. The Australian’s knockout power could pose significant problems for Edwards, who has shown vulnerability in striking exchanges in recent outings.
UFC will return to London for it’s 30th event
This event marks the UFC’s 30th visit to the United Kingdom, underscoring the promotion’s commitment to the burgeoning British MMA scene. The O2 Arena, which has become a spiritual home for UK MMA, is expected to be electric for this clash of welterweight titans.
The undercard is still taking shape, but early reports suggest a light heavyweight bout between former champion Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg, as well as a middleweight contest featuring Christian Leroy Duncan against Andrey Pulyaev5. These additions promise to make the event a showcase of both established stars and emerging talent.
Tickets for this must-see event are set to go on sale on January 24th, and given the magnitude of the main event, they’re expected to sell out rapidly4. For fans unable to secure tickets, the event will be broadcast live, with details to be announced closer to the date. As March 22nd approaches, all eyes in the MMA world will be firmly fixed on London, where two of the welterweight division’s finest will collide in a contest that could reshape the landscape of the 170-pound weight class.
