Dana White announced on Thursday that the UFC would be returning to the O2 Arena on July 22
Less than one month removed from Leon Edwards’ successful welterweight title defense against Kamaru Usman at UFC 286, a return to the capital this summer was announced earlier this week. We look at which homegrown fighters we might see on the Fight Night card.
Tom Aspinall
July will mark one year since Aspinall’s horrific injury against Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night in London. Aspinall says he has recovered and is back in training, making him a favorite to headline the summer card.
Aspinall has made it no secret he wishes to fight Marcin Tybura in the summer. Tybura is coming off a decision victory against Blagoy Ivanov in February and is currently ranked #10 in the heavyweight rankings. If Aspinall does feature on the London card, expect him to be the headliner regardless of who stands opposite him.
Paul Craig
We could see a battle between the Brits in the light-heavyweight division. Modestas Bukauskas told Mirror Fighting earlier this year that he believes himself and Craig to be the two best light-heavyweights from the UK and would like to fight him on home soil to determine who is the best.
Lerone Murphy
Following a split decision victory over Gabriel Santos at the most recent London event, could we see Murphy and fellow Englishman Nathaniel Wood square off? The bout was initially scheduled for the Edwards Vs. Usman card, but Wood suffered a freak injury in training. Wood is ready to fight in July, and Murphy announced earlier this week that he’d signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC, so it’s certainly possible.
Molly Mccann
After building up a high profile with back-to-back stunning knockouts at the most recent Fight Night events at the O2 arena in London, ‘Meatball’ became a fan favorite as her popularity exploded along with fellow scouser Paddy Pimblett. An endorsement deal with Barstool Sports followed her quick ascension into the hearts of UK MMA fans, and a return to London this summer would create quite the buzz for her home crowd. If we see the return of ‘Meatball,’ she will be etching to put her submission defeat to top flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield behind her.
Jack Shore
With an impressive record of 17-1, Jack Shore has drawn comparisons between his fighting style and that of Georges St. Pierre, who some view as the GOAT. While such comparisons seem premature, there is no denying the Welshman’s talent. Coming off a submission victory at UFC 286 over Makwan Amirkhani, we could see ‘Tank’ fighting again this summer.
Jai Herbert
Following a controversial draw at UFC 286, Jai Herbert will be itching to step foot in the octagon to prove any doubters wrong. He told The Express & Star last month that he would be willing to fight on a London card this summer. Herbert is a teammate of Leon Edwards and trains out of the same camp (Team Renegade) in Birmingham, England.
Who’s unlikely to feature?
Arnold Allen
Last week, Allen was on the wrong side of a decision in a five-round war against UFC legend Max Holloway. It is unclear at this stage how injured he is post-fight. Even if he is cleared to fight, his coaches may encourage a rest period. Allen’s stock rose globally after his recent bout, so fans will hope he can appear at the O2 arena. If he does, expect him to be in the main event providing Tom Aspinall doesn’t also fight.
Muhammed Mokaev
After a thrilling fight at UFC 286 in which Mokaev completed a remarkable turnaround to gain a submission victory against Jafel Filho, a contest in London would put Mokaev at the top end of the card. It remains to be seen whether his leg will have recovered after the UFC cameras caught his leg bending backward on the ground as he stubbornly refused to tap out. Heart and determination were abundant that night, and Mokaev stated an intention earlier this week to fight in London, provided he is healthy.
Who won’t be competing?
Leon Edwards
As mentioned at the top of the article, ‘Rocky’ only fought last month and wanted to rest before defending his welterweight title. Also, Edwards’ next fight we be on pay-per-view.
Paddy Pimblett
Paddy gave an interview to Sky Sports earlier this week, ruling him out of action for the foreseeable future, perhaps for the rest of the year. The injury update will disappoint fans as Pimblett generated a buzz for each one of his fights since entering the UFC, particularly when he fought at the O2 arena.
Darren Till
Currently unsigned by the UFC. Till was released earlier this year to take a couple of years off to recuperate from some ongoing injuries. Till has been trading verbal blows with Rocky Fielding and Carl Froch in recent days on social media, and it’s expected he will compete in some boxing events before returning to the octagon.
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