UFC London LIVE!
Leon Edwards suffered a crushing second successive defeat by Sean Brady in the main event of UFC London. Looking to bounce back from losing his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad in Manchester last year, ‘Rocky’ was dominated by his replacement opponent on the ground at the O2 Arena before being submitted by a devastating guillotine choke in the fourth round to lose his status as No1 contender.
Elsewhere on Saturday night in the capital, ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann announced her emotional retirement from mixed martial arts after a gutting first-round submission loss to UFC debutant Alexia Thainara. Former men’s light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz lost to Carlos Ulberg in the co-main event, while Kevin Holland won a wild contest against Gunnar Nelson.
There were impressive early victories on the prelim card for local favourite Lone’er Kavanagh and Irish duo Caolan Loughran and Shauna Bannon, with Christian Leroy Duncan and Kaue Fernandes also back to winning ways before a first career defeat for Mick Parkin and a comfortable triumph for another Londoner in Nathaniel Wood as Chris Duncan beat Jordan Vucenic in an all-British clash. Follow UFC London live below!
UFC London results
- Leon Edwards upset by dominant Sean Brady
- Carlos Ulberg outpoints Jan Blachowicz in co-main event
- Kevin Holland comes out on top in wild fight with Gunnar Nelson
- Molly McCann retires after first-round Alexia Thainara defeat
- Chris Duncan submits Jordan Vucenic in all-British battle
- Nathaniel Wood coasts to win over Morgan Charriere
Sean Brady dominates and submits Leon Edwards in upset
Saturday 22 March 2025 23:23This is just utterly relentless stuff from Brady, who combines his dominance on the ground with a sharp striking performance on his feet.
He sets up the next takedown perfectly and again there’s four minutes left in the round for Edwards to try and survive. How many times can he do this?
Brady is a jiu-jitsu master and he’s locked in that devastating single arm guillotine choke.
Edwards has no choice but to tap. Wow - total domination from Brady.
What an upset from the replacement opponent and by far the biggest win of his career to date.
A total nightmare for Edwards, who has now suffered back-to-back losses on home soil.
A hammer blow to his chances of getting that welterweight title back.
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Saturday 22 March 2025 23:19 , George FloodGod this is tough, gruelling fare for Edwards, who landed some good initial shots early in the third before a regrettably botched and telegraphed takedown attempt saw him back down once more.
Brady has him in the headlock and then thunders down a brutal flurry of punches to try and get the finish.
Another round with Edwards spending almost all of it frantically defending on the canvas for all he’s worth.
A nightmare couple of rounds for the former welterweight champion.
Domination from Brady at the moment. Can Edwards turn the tide?
Two rounds to go...
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Saturday 22 March 2025 23:13 , George FloodLeon Edwards will never have been so relieved to hear the horn after spending that entire round defending on his back after being rushed and taken down straightaway, being squeezed and hit with blow after blow.
Superb effort and heart to get through that torrid test.
Brady will be disappointed not to have made the most of that.
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Saturday 22 March 2025 23:11 , George FloodSuch a difficult spot for Edwards with so long left in the round as Brady continues to squeeze and rain down strikes and elbows to the head.
Brady looks to lock in the kimura, but Edwards is shifting and wriggling, trying to get onto his feet.
40 seconds left in the round...
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Saturday 22 March 2025 23:09 , George FloodEdwards is warned about something by the referee before round two and he’s then caught totally off-guard by a double-leg takedown from an opportunist Brady.
Edwards is in bother here as Brady sweeps him and immediately gets on his back, locking him up tight on the floor.
There are still four minutes to go in the round for Edwards to defend and try to escape this as Brady applies the squeeze and rattles in continuous punches to the head.
Brady with the body triangle...
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Saturday 22 March 2025 23:05 , George FloodEdwards looks sharp and fast tonight, now he’s backed up against the fence as Brady tries to go to work.
Edwards escapes it with relative ease, but now he’s flat on his back after a textbook takedown from Brady.
Unfortunately for him, there is only 15 seconds left in the round so there won’t be any time to build on it.
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Saturday 22 March 2025 23:03 , George FloodEdwards goes on the offensive early on and sharp knees are driven in by both men either side of the short-lived first clinch.
Testing strikes and low kicks are flung out by both men before a lovely striking combination from Brady lands flush and makes Edwards think.
Some nice right hooks from Edwards with damage already visible around that left eye of Brady.
No success with the takedown attempts so far from the American.
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Saturday 22 March 2025 23:01 , George FloodOctagon walks and spine-tingling introductions from Bruce Buffer done, we are about to get underway in tonight’s main event!
No glove touch from Edwards and Brady.
Here we go...
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:54It’s time for the UFC London main event at the O2 Arena!
Leon Edwards makes his return against Sean Brady NEXT.
Don’t go anywhere...
Jan Blachowicz beaten by Carlos Ulberg on points
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:49 , George FloodYes he has!
All three judges score the bout 29-28 in favour of Ulberg, who has now won eight fights in a row to continue stating his case in the light-heavyweight division.
How many more outings will we see from the 42-year-old Jan Blachowicz after successive losses?
Jan Blachowicz vs Carlos Ulberg
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:45 , George FloodA chess match of a final round for the most part, really competitive again with success for both men with the strikes and low kicks.
Blachowicz is bleeding from a gash near his left eye.
Ulberg looks to finish strong - has he just shaded it to keep his win streak alive?
Jan Blachowicz vs Carlos Ulberg
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:39 , George FloodThe low kicks and jabs fly in from both men in the final exchanges of another incredibly close round.
This is all to play for heading into the last five minutes.
Blachowicz is told in the corner that he could lose.
Jan Blachowicz vs Carlos Ulberg
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:36Entertaining upright action early in the second, both men landing some punishing strikes before a counter and shuddering knee from the former champion.
Blachowicz rattles in some sharp and well-timed low kicks to fend off Ulberg coming forward on the offensive.
Jan Blachowicz vs Carlos Ulberg
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:32 , George FloodA tentative start to proceedings, with both fighters showing good defence to mostly evade attempted strikes and deflect the low kicks.
Blachowicz’s corner have not stopped shouting from the first second.
A nasty clash of shins before a short left hook is snuck in by Ulberg before the bell.
A close opening round with not much at all by way of absorbing action.
Jan Blachowicz vs Carlos Ulberg
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:27 , George FloodIt’s time for the co-main event of the night at the O2 Arena!
Popular and powerful former light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz of Poland - now ranked at No3 in the division - looks for his first win in three after his draw with Magomed Ankalaev and split-decision loss to Alex Pereira.
He meets New Zealand’s 19-2 Carlos Ulberg, who is riding a seven-fight winning streak after beating both Alonzo Menifield and Volkan Oezdemir last year.
Tom Aspinall trolls Jon Jones at ringside
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:21So many famous faces in the crowd tonight, including Tom Aspinall - who holds up a sparkly rubber duck to the camera.
No doubt a not-so-subtle pop at Jon Jones, a monster undisputed heavyweight title fight with whom has still yet to be agreed, despite Dana White’s recent assertion that it’s just a matter of time.
Kevin Holland beats Gunnar Nelson by unanimous decision
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:14An electric final round to complete a rip-roaring fight - the best of the night so far?
Kevin Holland gets it 29-28 on all three scorecards, and it’s hard to argue.
A fine way to bounce back from his successive defeats by Roman Dolidze and Reinier de Ridder.
Three defeats in five now for Nelson, snapping a two-fight winning streak after he had beaten Takashi Sato and Bryan Barberena.
Gunnar Nelson vs Kevin Holland
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:07As always with Kevin Holland, this is so entertaining.
But he’s in trouble with more than two minutes left in the third round, taken down again before Nelson rattles in some thundering blows and then locks in the triangle choke.
But Holland escapes against the odds! How on earth did he manage that?!
So dispiriting for Nelson.
Gunnar Nelson vs Kevin Holland
Saturday 22 March 2025 22:05 , George FloodAll-action again in the second round between these two experienced and battle-hardened warriors.
Holland peppering plenty of shots and ends up on his back again, but Nelson is really struggling to make anything happen after the takedowns.
Gunnar Nelson vs Kevin Holland
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:59 , George FloodAn absolutely wild for first round between Gunnar Nelson and Kevin Holland.
Holland spent the majority of it on his back but posing a real threat with those long legs as Nelson - who literally carried his opponent at one point - looked to try and find an opportunity for the stoppage.
But Holland springs into life in the final seconds, flooring Nelson with a massive shot and then landing another huge blow right on the buzzer.
Superb action.
Gunnar Nelson vs Kevin Holland
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:54A men’s welterweight showdown now as Gunnar Nelson takes on Kevin Holland.
Molly McCann retires from UFC after defeat by Alexia Thainara
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:42Molly McCann looks to announce her retirement from the UFC after that gutting loss in an emotional speech.
She kisses her gloves and leaves them in the middle of the octagon in a symbolic gesture.
A sad end to her career, but what a trailblazer and an outstanding ambassador for the sport in this country.
The first Englishwoman ever to win in the UFC - we wish her all the very best for the future.
She finishes with: “Up the f*****g Toffees.”
UFC debutant Alexia Thainara submits Molly McCann in first round
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:36 , George FloodMcCann looks in big trouble here with her face extremely red as Thainara chokes away on her back.
She initially looks to have wriggled free, but this time the rear-naked choke is properly locked in and she has no choice but to promptly tap.
That’s a hammer blow of a defeat for Molly, her fourth in five fights, but what an incredible UFC debut for Thainara.
She took this fight on just a few days’ notice and on the biggest stage earns a dominant first-round submission over a firm home favourite.
And she loved every second of it. Remember the name!
Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:32McCann looks to start on the front foot but is made to pay with a shooting takedown from the Brazilian.
McCann is looking for the armbar on her back as she drives in some eye-catching elbows.
It’s only briefly back to the feet with McCann again under a lot of pressure on the deck from Thainara, but always looking for the arm and thundering in those elbows off her back.
Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:28It’s been a far more low-key McCann this week and she’s all business as she quickly makes her way to the octagon, with hearty applause from team-mate Paddy Pimblett watching on.
Thainara couldn’t be enjoying this any more as Bruce Buffer completes the final introductions.
Here we go...
Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:25Time for the Meatball!
Molly McCann is up next in a must-win fight against UFC debutant Alexia Thainara.
The Liverpool favourite has lost three of her last four bouts, including against Bruna Brasil in Manchester last year.
She was originally supposed to meet Istela Nunes tonight, only for reported visa issues to lead to a very late call-up for fellow Brazilian strawweight Thainara.
Thainara is 11-1 and has won nine fights in a row, earning her UFC contract with a decision win over Rose Conceicao on Dana White’s Contender Series in September.
She certainly does not lack confidence and bravado, as we see with a flamboyant walk to the octagon and at yesterday’s weigh-in.
Chris Duncan calls out Terrance McKinney
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:16Some performance that from Chris Duncan, who wants to take on Terrance McKinney in Miami next.
He seems to suggest that reports of a bet with Vucenic that the loser would get their opponent’s name tattooed on their behind were wide of the mark.
Back-to-back UFC wins for Duncan, back-to-back defeats for Vucenic.
Chris Duncan submits Jordan Vucenic in second round
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:13 , George FloodSublime from Duncan as Vucenic has him forced back against the cage on one leg.
But he turns the situation to his advantage as Vucenic shoots for the takedown, dropping his opponent and locking in a devastating guillotine choke.
Vucenic quickly taps.
A second guillotine win in a row for Duncan!
Scotland 1-0 England.
Jordan Vucenic vs Chris Duncan
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:10 , George FloodVucenic tries to up the tempo early in the second as we quickly go back to the canvas, with Duncan again trying to find the submission.
Vucenic is back up on his feet and sneaks in a couple of stinging left hands, with Duncan almost dropped and blood now coming from a cut high on the head.
Vucenic telegraphs an attempted takedown from some distance and Duncan reads it immediately, seizing the initiative and using his strength advantage again.
Jordan Vucenic vs Chris Duncan
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:07 , George FloodThat was some combination from Duncan that put Vucenic down - a spiteful right leg kick to the side of the ribcage that was immediately followed up by a straight right hand that landed flush on the jaw.
Jordan Vucenic vs Chris Duncan
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:06Duncan couldn’t lock in the submission and the grappling continues, with Vucenic no doubt grateful for the time to recover from that huge shot as he steadily gets back to his feet.
But now he’s taken down very well indeed with under a minute left in this opening round.
Vucenic defending hard and Duncan can’t make much happen.
But a quality first round from the Scot.
Jordan Vucenic vs Chris Duncan
Saturday 22 March 2025 21:02Explosive stuff early on as Duncan follows a spiteful body kick with a fearsome strike upstairs and Vucenic is down!
He immediately tries to lock in a submission...
Jordan Vucenic vs Chris Duncan
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:58 , George FloodCorby’s heavily-tattooed former Cage Warriors featherweight champion Jordan ‘The Epidemic’ Vucenic, now up at lightweight, will hope to record his first win in the UFC tonight after dropping a decision to Guram Kutateladze on his debut in Abu Dhabi last summer.
He’s up against Scotland’s Chris ‘The Problem’ Duncan, whose early submission of Bolaji Oki in Paris last September saw him bounce back from his first UFC loss at the hands of Manuel Torres.
Nathaniel Wood beats Morgan Charriere by unanimous decision
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:52An efficient performance and final round from Wood, who easily does enough to win on all three judges’ scorecards - 30-27 across the board.
An all-British showdown is coming up next. England vs Scotland...
Paddy Pimblett watches on at UFC London
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:42 , George FloodPaddy The Baddy is in the house tonight.
Just a few weeks to go now until unquestionably the biggest test of his career to date against Michael Chandler as the co-main event at UFC 314 in Miami on April 12.
He won’t have been pleased to see Next Generation team-mate Nathan Fletcher beaten earlier on.
Nathaniel Wood vs Morgan Charriere
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:40 , George FloodCharriere ends up briefly on the deck again midway through the second round.
This is a really good watch with the two men trading in the middle of the octagon, Charriere grabbing Wood’s head before crashing in a vicious elbow.
An attempt at a guillotine fails, with Charriere showing his intent with another painful elbow.
Wood responds with the jab but seems to have gone away from those dangerous low leg kicks.
Charriere misses with a spinning high kick before the horn.
Nathaniel Wood vs Morgan Charriere
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:36 , George FloodAn absorbing opening round draws to a close with both men trying to get the ascendancy on the ground.
In awe of Charriere not only recovering so quickly from that monster right hand but maybe even shading the rest of the opener.
He’s just been nailed by a left hook early in the second.
Wood vicious with his striking so far.
Nathaniel Wood vs Morgan Charriere
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:31 , George FloodA couple of trademark early low leg kicks from Wood, who then smashes in a brilliant right hand that floors Charriere!
Wood dives on him and goes for the finish, but Charriere holds on and must now recover quickly and defend doggedly on the canvas.
He does it well, turning around the situation to put Wood on his back.
Nathaniel Wood vs Morgan Charriere
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:29Kicking off the main card action is another Londoner in Nathaniel ‘The Prospect’ Wood, the popular former Cage Warriors bantamweight champion who now competes at featherweight.
He’s looking for a second straight UFC win after that defeat by Muhammad Naimov at UFC 294, outpointing Daniel Pineda in Manchester last summer.
He meets France’s Morgan Charriere - AKA The Last Pirate - also looking for a second win on the spin after bouncing back from losing to Chepe Mariscal by overcoming Gabriel Miranda last year.
He is also a former Cage Warriors champion. This should be good...
Main card set to begin
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:21That’s the prelim action done and dusted at the O2 Arena!
It’s time for the six-fight main card to begin at UFC London, headlined by Leon Edwards’ return fight against Sean Brady.
Jai Herbert beaten on the cards by Chris Padilla
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:12 , George FloodNo he isn’t right!
29-28 Padilla, 29-28 Herbert, 29-28 Padilla - a sixth straight win for the American.
More disappointment for an English fighter at UFC London tonight.
He follows Mick Parkin and Nathan Fletcher in tasting defeat, though we have seen success for Lone’er Kavanagh and Chris Leroy Duncan.
Jai Herbert vs Chris Padilla
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:11 , George FloodMore purposeful from Herbert in the third, walking down Padilla and producing a tidy strike here and a nice knee there.
Some nice punches by Padilla including a cracking right hand and uppercut, while there was a lovely high kick on the money from Herbert.
Now Padilla is busted open! Blood pouring from a nasty gash above Padilla’s left eye. That looks really bad.
Herbert thinks he’s done enough here after the final buzzer sounds. Is he right?
Time to find out as we go to the cards for the sixth time tonight...
Jai Herbert vs Chris Padilla
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:07 , George FloodInspiring stuff in the Herbert corner before the decisive final round.
“Own your victory.”
This is anyone’s fight with five minutes to go...
Jai Herbert vs Chris Padilla
Saturday 22 March 2025 20:05“Believe in your speed” is the message to a frustrated-looking Herbert in the corner after a rather flat opening round.
He ups the aggression early in the second, landing an eye-catching head kick.
The two men exchange strikes before Herbert goes for the kick and Padilla responds by looking for the takedown, clinching again up against the cage.
Herbert gets free but he’s back against the fence in the final 30 seconds with some murmurings of discontent from the building O2 Arena crowd.
Herbert misses with an attempted high kick and right hand before the buzzer.
This isn’t a classic, but it’s very close.
Jai Herbert vs Chris Padilla
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:57 , George FloodA tentative start to this one with one cornerman particularly vocal throughout the first round.
A couple of nice kicks flung out by Herbert before Padilla launches an attack with around a minute to go, chasing Herbert across the octagon before clinching against the fence.
Good work from Herbert to make it very awkward from there though and position his body at an awkward angle to deny any opportunities, digging some shots into the body.
Jai Herbert vs Chris Padilla
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:51 , George FloodIt’s quickly on to the headline act of this UFC London prelim card at the O2 Arena.
Wolverhampton’s ‘The Black Country Banger’ Jai Herbert is in lightweight action as he looks to build on his decision win over Rolando Bedoya in Abu Dhabi last summer.
He’s up against the dangerous 15-6 American Chris ‘Taco’ Padilla, who has won five fights in a row now including two in the UFC against James Llontop and Rong Zhu.
Lone’er Kavanagh beats Felipe dos Santos by unanimous decision
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:47Kavanagh deservedly takes it on all three judges’ scorecards - 29-28.
A really impressive performance from the London flyweight, who now has back-to-back wins in the UFC and moves to 9-0 as a professional.
Big things in his future.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs Felipe dos Santos
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:42Dos Santos is being repeatedly warned for multiple infringements here as he’s taken to the canvas again and again by the impressive Kavanagh.
“Watch the spine” is the latest call from the referee as Dos Santos tries to fight back, pinned against the cage.
An entertaining bout finishes on the feet, with both fighters trying to sneak in some last-minute strikes.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs Felipe dos Santos
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:36Fast hands from Kavanagh, who then showcases his ground and pound skills.
Dos Santos is on his back in the middle of the cage, trying to grab the wrist and firing back some shots from a defensive position.
Good work this from Kavanagh with an eye-catching takedown and more solid work on the canvas, despite the blood still pouring from that cut.
This is thrilling, high-octane stuff as Dos Santos escapes but is then quickly back down on the deck once more.
There is really so much blood coming from that cut on Kavanagh’s scalp.
It’s all over his face. But a great round from the Londoner to bounce back from an uncertain opener.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs Felipe dos Santos
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:30 , George FloodBlood all over the place from a cut on Kavanagh’s scalp, drenched all down his face and down the back of Dos Santos.
Kavanagh tries to respond to that fast start from the Brazilian, who goes to the mat in the final seconds but is definitely 1-0 up.
Dos Santos has been barking at his opponent from across the octagon before the start of the second.
Lone’er Kavanagh vs Felipe dos Santos
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:27 , George FloodA very early warning for Kavanagh as he’s cracked with a peach of a whipped right hand from Dos Santos, who is then warned three times about fingers in the cage.
How will Kavanagh respond?
Lone’er Kavanagh vs Felipe dos Santos
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:25Time for the penultimate fight of this prelim card at the O2 Arena - and it should be a belter.
Undefeated 8-0 London flyweight Lone’er Kavanagh looks for a second UFC win against Brazil’s Felipe dos Santos, having debuted with a decision win over Jose Ochoa in Macau back in November.
Marcin Tybura hands Mick Parkin first loss
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:19All three judges score the bout 29-28 in favour of Tybura, who wins by unanimous decision to keep his No8 ranking in the UFC heavyweight division.
A first defeat of any kind in the UFC and indeed in professional MMA for Parkin, who drops to 10-1.
That could have gone either way in my opinion.
Marcin Tybura vs Mick Parkin
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:17 , George FloodThe two men continue exchanging shots until the last.
Tybura even tries a takedown while taking punches to the head.
Once again we go to the judges’ scorecards.
This will be very close.
Marcin Tybura vs Mick Parkin
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:14 , George FloodParkin’s corner tell him not to clinch himself out and ensure he stays fast and loose against an opponent they believe is exhausted after an energy-sapping second round.
He is blowing very heavily as the two men exchange strikes on their feet in the middle of the octagon.
Tybura is landing well despite the obvious tiredness, Parkin needs to be careful here.
Parkin lands a couple of sharp punches before Tybura comes roaring back to force him onto the defensive.
Another strong right hand from Parkin with just two minutes left in the third and final round.
You can’t takes your eyes off this. There may be an explosive finish to come...
Marcin Tybura vs Mick Parkin
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:10Great work from Parkin again to produce another smart takedown on Tybura with a minute left in the second.
But again the clever and experienced Tybura manoeuvres himself free and ends a gruelling round on his feet.
Marcin Tybura vs Mick Parkin
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:08 , George FloodParkin’s low kick has Tybura down on the blood-spattered and sponsor-heavy canvas early in the second round.
He’s trying his best to manoeuvre into position for a potential submission, before getting the crowd excited with some heavy fists to the head.
Tybura is flat on his back and working overtime to stop Parkin from finding any further opportunities for either the stoppage or the submission.
Now he springs to his feet!
Marcin Tybura vs Mick Parkin
Saturday 22 March 2025 19:05Good work from Parkin so far in the first, sapping the awkward Tybura’s energy and firing in some nice shots.
He has him up against the fence towards the end of the round, trying to use his forehead to his advantage.
Tybura springs forward to shoot an impressive takedown in the final seconds.
Close stuff through one, Parkin’s corner think he edged it.
Marcin Tybura vs Mick Parkin
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:57 , George FloodUndefeated, 10-0 Sunderland heavyweight Mick Parkin will look to take another step in his quest to follow in the footsteps of Tom Aspinall now as he attempts to keep his impressive winning streak going against Poland’s Marcin Tybura.
The vastly experienced Tybura is 26-9 and coming off a win over Brazil’s Jhonata Diniz in November.
He’s currently sitting at No8 in the UFC’s heavyweight rankings.
Christian Leroy Duncan beats Andrey Pulyaev by decision
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:5430-27, 30-27, 30-26 - all three scorecards in favour of Duncan, who is back to winning ways after that loss to Gregory Rodrigues in Manchester last summer.
We’re heading to the heavyweight division next...
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:52 , George FloodA furious finish from Duncan!
It’s a blitz of powerful strikes and big knees as a hurt Pulyaev clings on and is quickly pursued from one side of the octagon to the other.
Much more like it from CLD, who empties the tank in search of a last-gasp stoppage but can’t quite find it.
A low-key contest explodes in the final seconds.
Certainly not Duncan’s best performance otherwise, but he will have definitely won it on the cards.
Nothing at all really offered by Pulyaev on his UFC debut.
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:48 , George FloodThis is a very frustrating and rather tedious watch so far, I can’t lie.
Duncan has had Pulyaev backed up against the cage for so much of this fight, but just cannot make much happen from there in something of a stalemate.
That’s better as CLD drives in a venomous knee.
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:42 , George FloodDuncan is constantly on the offensive, throwing in some sharp shots to press his opponent back against the cage - where the takedown attempts have yet to bear fruit.
CLD is constantly walking down Pulyaev, who is circling around the octagon and making things awkward.
Two nice combinations from a spinning Duncan after Pulyaev tries to shoot out a couple of leg kicks.
That buzzed him.
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:37 , George FloodFinally the incredibly long clinch is broken by the referee. I think everyone watching will thank him for that.
A couple of snappy kicks from Duncan before the end of the first.
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:35 , George FloodDuncan - who is the biggest betting favourite of the night - commits to a long takedown attempt against the cage but Pulyaev then manages to craftily turn it around.
The clinch has been ongoing for most of this first round, with both men now trying to gain the initiative by driving in the knees.
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:33Here we go!
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:27 , George FloodGloucester middleweight Christian Leroy Duncan is coming up next.
CLD will hope to bounce back from his defeat by Gregory Rodrigues at UFC 304 in Manchester last summer.
He’s up against Russian Andrey Pulyaev, making his UFC debut tonight after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.
He’s on a five-fight win streak.
Shauna Bannon submits Puja Tomar in wild finish
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:20 , George FloodMore side kicks coming in from Bannon, who is then floored by a huge head kick with the left that lands flush! Wow.
Tomar goes for the finish as she thunders down the punches with both hands, but Bannon isn’t done yet.
She quickly recovers to somehow lock in the armbar and Tomar quickly taps!
Wow. What a crazy, crazy sequence that was.
Astonishing from Bannon to recover from that massive head kick that landed straight on her jaw so swiftly and then get her bearings to have the presence of mind to produce the submission finish.
Outstanding. She’s now 2-1 in the UFC.
Shauna Bannon vs Puja Tomar
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:13 , George FloodSome really sharp kicks early on from Bannon, both low and high.
Tomar is then warned for an accidental kick to the groin area.
She lands a decent kick of her own, but then takes a couple more as she keeps backing up towards the fence.
Shauna Bannon vs Puja Tomar
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:10 , George FloodHere we go with this strawweight clash.
Bannon lost to Bruna Brasil on her UFC debut in 2023, but recovered to beat Alice Ardelean by split decision in Manchester last summer.
The history-making Tomar is coming off her own decision win over Rayanne dos Santos.
Shauna Bannon vs Puja Tomar
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:05 , George FloodThe third of seven prelim fights at UFC London is on the way next.
It’s the first of two women’s bouts on the card, with Shauna Bannon looking to build on compatriot Caolan Loughran’s win as she takes on Puja ‘The Cyclone’ Tomar - the only Indian woman ever to compete in the UFC.
Caolan Loughran beats Nathan Fletcher by split decision
Saturday 22 March 2025 18:01No it isn’t!
The scorecards read 29-28 Loughran, 29-28 Fletcher, 29-28 Loughran, with the Irishman winning by split decision.
What a win for him and a first UFC loss for Fletcher.
That one will sting.
Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:59 , George FloodSuccess from both men on the ground and with the takedowns, but neither can really assert any dominance.
Loughran shoots into another impressive takedown with around a minute and 30 seconds left in the round.
The Irishman is taking the impetus here, taking Fletcher to the ground several times.
But Fletcher now has him around the neck and shoots up some spiteful knees to the head.
Here comes Fletcher as he lets his hands go and now both men exchange furious punches against the cage with time running out!
More painful knees from Fletcher, who then splits open Loughran with a huge right hand with blood pouring from a wound just under his right eyebrow.
The final bell sounds and both men raise their hands.
Will that late burst be enough for Fletcher in what was a close fight? We go to the judges again...
Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:52 , George FloodFinally Loughran escapes but then eats a huge knee as he shoots forward for another takedown attempt.
A shortage of energy from both men to close the second round as Fletcher is pinned against the cage but without much happening.
I’d have this level at 1-1 in terms of rounds heading into a decisive third...
Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:50 , George FloodA great start to the second round from Fletcher as he quickly goes for his own takedown and drives in some punishing knees.
He ends up on the back of Loughran, who is pinned face-first against the cage and absorbing some powerful punches to the head.
Loughran is in an awful position for a long time and just cannot escape as another brutal flurry of blows rain down.
Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:47 , George FloodA gruelling first round, with Loughran looking to assert some grappling dominance and win the battle on the floor and up against the cage.
Some impressive takedowns to open and there are some tough words for Fletcher in the corner.
Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:44 , George FloodA lively start from the focused and sprightly Fletcher, who positions himself up against the fence after a takedown attempt from Loughran.
He’s trying to manoeuvre himself but this is good pressure from the Irishman, who has Fletcher pinned against the cage before a reset.
Loughran trying to take this to the ground at every opportunity...
Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:41 , George FloodThis is former Cage Warriors star Fletcher’s second bout in the UFC after he submitted Zygimantas Ramaska in September.
Loughran has lost two of his first three fights in the UFC, including to Jake Hadley in Manchester last summer.
Here we go...
Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:39 , George FloodWe move on quickly with the early portion of tonight’s UFC London prelim bill at the O2 Arena.
Liverpool’s 9-1 Nathan Fletcher is in the octagon next as he takes on Ireland’s 9-2 Caolan Loughran in a three-round men’s bantamweight battle.
These two are former amateur opponents, with Fletcher the next talent to emerge from the Next Generation gym as a team-mate of Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann.
Kaue Fernandes beats Guram Kutateladze by unanimous decision
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:34To the scorecards we go and all three judges score the fight 30-27 in favour of Kaue Fernandes, who deservedly triumphs by unanimous decision.
A really impressive performance from the Brazilian to make it back-to-back wins since his split-decision defeat by Marc Diakiese.
Guram Kutateladze vs Kaue Fernandes
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:30 , George FloodSome heart being shown here by Kutateladze, who took a battering in those first two rounds but is trying to make a fight of it in the third despite the blood pouring down his face.
There are a smattering of close-range exchanges, but Fernandes is never in any danger as he floors his opponent again with another nasty low kick, this time to the right leg with his left already in pieces.
And a nice takedown to finish before the horn blares to signal the end of the fight.
A comfortable decision win coming up for the Brazilian, who was the betting underdog going into this bout, but Kutateladze deserves a lot of credit for his heart and bravery there.
Guram Kutateladze vs Kaue Fernandes
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:24 , George FloodThe dominant Fernandes can’t miss with these attacks, a stream of powerful kicks and strikes finding the mark and leaving Kutateladze’s face a bloodied mess.
So much redness on that left leg of the Georgian too shows the impact of the Brazilian’s wincing low kicks.
But Kutateladze will not give up, evading a submission attempt and just about escaping some more very tricky situations.
Somehow he sees the end of the second...
Guram Kutateladze vs Kaue Fernandes
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:19A bloodied Kutateladze is in real trouble here as he’s flattened by another spiteful kick early in round two.
Fernandes jumps on him and tries to finish it with a flurry of punches, but Kutateladze manages to escape.
Surely this won’t go on much longer. It’s completely one-way traffic and the Georgian has taken a lot of punishment.
Guram Kutateladze vs Kaue Fernandes
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:16 , George FloodFernandes is in total control early on in the first round, dictating the tempo of the fight nicely and shooting out a couple of brilliant kicks that floor the Georgian.
He also fires in a shuddering head kick that lands flush.
A gruelling opener for Kutateladze, who hit the canvas I think three times in total.
Guram Kutateladze vs Kaue Fernandes
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:13Bruce Buffer is on the mic and we’re now officially underway in our first fight of the night at the O2 Arena!
This could be an explosive start...
Sean Brady: I will become the number one contender
Saturday 22 March 2025 17:11Leon Edwards is the favourite to get back to winning ways tonight as he plots to get the welterweight title back, though replacement opponent Sean Brady is not in London merely to make up the numbers.
The tough Philadelphia native is ranked fifth in the division and has back-to-back wins over Kelvin Gastelum and Gilbert Burns since being stopped by Belal Muhammad in October 2022.
"I've definitely been looking at him [Edwards] for a while because I'm looking at everybody in the division, especially the guys ahead of me, and him being a former champion is a huge one,” said Brady.
“My last fight, Gilbert, was a former title challenger, and I beat him.
“I knew that the next step I wanted was a former title-holder, which was going to be either Leon or Kamaru (Usman). So both of those guys were on my radar.
“And yeah, I'm confident against anybody in this division, but it just turns out that I get to fight the number one contender, and then once I beat him, I'll be the number one contender.”
A good luck message from Everton for famous fan Molly McCann ahead of her clash with UFC debutant Alexia Thainara later on.
The prelim coverage at the O2 Arena has begun!
We’ll be underway with the octagon action very soon...
All the best to @MeatballMolly on your return to the Octagon tonight! 👊🔵#UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/dABOeRgult
— Everton (@Everton) March 22, 2025
Guram Kutateladze vs Kaue Fernandes up first
Saturday 22 March 2025 16:52 , George FloodFirst up on the prelim bill tonight is the men’s lightweight clash between the ‘Georgian Viking’ Guram Kutateladze and Brazil’s Kaue Fernandes.
Dominant former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will be in his compatriot’s corner this evening, having appeared to squash his beef at yesterday’s weigh-ins with a fist bump with Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett - who will also be in the corner later for Next Generation team-mate Nathan Fletcher.
Kutateladze will hope to build some momentum tonight after his decision win over England’s Jordan Vucenic in Abu Dhabi last summer - his first victory for almost four years.
Fernandes last fought with a first-round stoppage of Mohammad Yahya on that same bill in the Middle East, bouncing back from a split-decision loss to Marc Diakiese in 2023.
He had been due to face Jared Gordon at UFC Fight Night 251 last month, only to have to withdraw and be replaced by Mashrabjon Ruzibaev, who also couldn’t compete in the end due to illness.
Molly McCann not taking UFC debutant Alexia Thainara lightly
Saturday 22 March 2025 16:37Another high-profile fighter hoping for some redemption tonight is ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann.
The Liverpool favourite is surely now in must-win mode after losing three of her last four fights, including dropping a decision to Bruna Brasil on the same Manchester card that saw Leon Edwards lose his title last year.
McCann was supposed to battle Istela Nunes tonight, but the latter has since been replaced at short notice due to visa issues by fellow Brazilian strawweight Alexia Thainara, who is making her UFC debut after earning a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series.
McCann’s vastly greater MMA experience makes her the obvious favourite, but she insists she’s not taking anything for granted.
"[In] my UFC debut I thought I was the b******s and Gillian Robertson humbled me,” McCann said this week.
“I know the percentage of debutants, when they come out it's not always that they win because they get caught up in the show.
"I'm not going to rely on that with my opponent.
“I'm expecting to have someone come for me the whole way and I don't think anyone should just think because it's their first one that the heads go a little bit. She's coming to take my head off.
"I think she's going to be really dangerous for that first round. Experience is on my side.
“I've had as many fights in the UFC as she's had professional wins. I think you'll get to see a more educated Molly McCann in there."
Leon Edwards 'ready to go again' after losing welterweight title
Saturday 22 March 2025 16:27 , George FloodLosing his UFC welterweight title on home soil so comprehensively last summer after those electric back-to-back wins over Kamaru Usman was not in the script for Leon Edwards, who previously had not lost since his first bout with Usman all the way back in 2015.
He has rightly lamented the fact that he had to fight at gone 5am in the morning and the inevitably detrimental impact that had, as well as a lingering back problem.
However, he is now raring to go again and piece together another impressive winning streak to get back into title contention after having had a long eight months to contemplate things.
"I just let it sit with me for a little bit," Edwards said this week.
“I hadn't lost a fight for almost 10 years. Even though it was a close fight – he won three rounds, I won two rounds – just everything, the circumstances around the fight and everything within the fight, I just let it sit with me a little bit.
“I gathered my thoughts with my team, and just regrouped. I'm back now, in good spirits and ready to go again.
"I just didn't feel myself in there. I was fighting at 5am in the morning.
“Went into the fight with injuries. It was difficult to take good or bad away from the fight.
“Obviously, I lost the fight, obviously there's stuff I could have done better, technically, to win the fight.
"I've went over it with my team, spoke over it, drilled it, so I know where I went wrong, but it's more about just the way the fight played out. It was crazy."
UFC London fight card
Saturday 22 March 2025 16:16 , George FloodHere is how the schedule looks for tonight at the O2 Arena...
Main card
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady
Jan Blachowicz vs Carlos Ulberg
Gunnar Nelson vs Kevin Holland
Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara
Jordan Vucenic vs Chris Duncan
Nathaniel Wood vs Morgan Charriere
Prelims
Jai Herbert vs Chris Padilla
Lone’er Kavanagh vs Felipe dos Santos
Marcin Tybura vs Mick Parkin
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev
Shauna Bannon vs Puja Tomar
Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran
Guram Kutateladze vs Kaue Fernandes
UFC London start time and schedule
Saturday 22 March 2025 16:12 , George FloodBritish fans who rightly bemoaned last summer’s stacked UFC 304 card in Manchester taking place in the early hours of the morning to suit US audiences will rejoice that tonight’s action comes at a far more sensible time.
The prelims are scheduled to get underway at 5pm GMT, with the main card action then from 8pm GMT.
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady should be underway at approximately 10:30pm GMT.
As ever, those exact timings are subject to change.
How to watch UFC London
Saturday 22 March 2025 16:09 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, UFC London is being broadcast live tonight on TNT Sports.
Coverage of the prelims begins at 5pm GMT on TNT Sports 2, with the main card available to watch on both TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 2 from 8pm GMT.
In the USA, the event is being shown live on ESPN+.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also watch the event live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Subscribers to UFC Fight Pass can also watch live coverage of the prelims there.
UFC London live
Saturday 22 March 2025 16:07 , George FloodFor the first time since 2023, the UFC is back in London tonight for Fight Night 255.
Home favourite Leon Edwards headlines the show later on as he looks to bounce back from losing the welterweight title to Belal Muhammad in Manchester last summer.
He was initially supposed to take on Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena in this evening’s high-profile main event, though the latter’s move to a title shot at UFC 315 in May means that American Sean Brady has been called up instead.
There are a whole host of intriguing fights coming up before then though across the prelims and main card, with ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann, Jordan Vucenic, Nathaniel Wood and Jai Herbert just a handful of the other British stars stepping into the octagon.
We’re less than an hour away now from the bouts beginning at the O2 Arena, so keep it right here for all the latest live updates and results across the night.
