A UFC London card has been confirmed for the second time this year with July 23 being confirmed. UFC president Dana White had wanted to bring an event back to London after three years since the last card due to coronavirus, and was blown away by the March 19 event at the 02 Arena.
Speaking to the media after the card, White named it as the greatest Fight Night event in its history - and immediately stated he would make plans to return to the UK this year. White was extremely complimentary over the British crowd and stated that he missed witnessing fights in England.
Last month, it was confirmed that the UFC will return to London on July 23 - with a few fights already being earmarked for the card.
March 19 saw a stacked card at the O2 Arena, with incredible fights throughout the night - including Paddy Pimblett's first-round win, Molly McCann's incredible KO and Tom Aspinall's statement victory as every British fighter except for one was able to win their match-ups in a huge night for British MMA.
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After Aspinall's win over Alexander Volkov, he was seen talking to White on the UFC's official social media pages and it has been tentatively agreed that he will once again headline the card. But who will he fight and who else in on the card? Here is what we know so far.
Confirmed fights
Heavyweight: Tom Aspinall vs Curtis Blaydes
Middleweight: Darren Till vs Jack Hermansson
Flyweight: Muhammad Mokeav vs Charles Johnson
Three fights have already been agreed upon according to multiple sources as Tom Aspinall is set to headline the event, taking on the number six ranked heavyweight in Curtis Blaydes. Elsewhere, Darren Till will return to action, coming up against Jack Hermansson. And exciting young British fighter Muhammad Mokeav will once again feature on the card as he'll fight Charles Johnson.
Who could fight on the card?
Leon Edwards: The most unlikely of this list, Leon Edwards is set to face pound-for-pound number one Kamaru Usman in a lightweight title fight. And although many will be hoping for the fight to be on the London card, it would be a huge shock to see Usman not fight on a PPV card in the United States.
Paddy Pimblett: The UK fans will be hoping to see Paddy the Baddy on the card, but he remains sidelined with an LCL tear. This usually requires anywhere between four to 12 weeks recovery, whilst Pimblett is currently out of training and is reportedly walking around at around 210lbs. It might be a tough ask for him to fight on the July card.
Arnold Allen: A man who must be getting closer to a title fight, Arnold Allen defeated the legendary Dan Hooker in convincing fashion at UFC London in March. Could he fight Yair Rodriguez? Dan Ige? Brian Ortega?
Paul Craig: The exciting submission artist will likely be looking to be on the card after securing an impressive win over Nikita Krylov. One more statement win should put him in the title conversation in a wide open division.
Jack Shore: Now ranked, Jack Shore will also be in line for a big fight should he be on the London card.
Molly McCann: After delivering a knockout of the year contender, McCann will be keen to continue her momentum as she climbs up the rankings in the women's flyweight division.
