Sean Brady delivered a commanding performance at UFC London on March 22, 2025, submitting former welterweight champion Leon Edwards with a guillotine choke in the fourth round at the O2 Arena. This significant victory positions Brady, 32, as a leading contender for the welterweight title in the near future, as he now boasts three consecutive wins in the division.
From the very first round, it was clear either fighter was willing to relinquish control. Brady's strategic prowess shone through as he effectively employed his wrestling skills, executing a series of takedowns and displaying relentless pressure. In the initial round, Brady secured a takedown that marked the beginning of his dominance, although Edwards managed to avert further damage through a brief stand-up exchange, landing some strikes of his own.
As the bout progressed into the second round, Brady's confidence became even more evident. He outstruck Edwards significantly, landing 110 strikes compared to Edwards’ mere 15. The round was a showcase of Brady’s grappling as he maintained ground control for over five minutes, leaving Edwards with little opportunity to respond effectively.
Onlookers in the arena noted the stark contrast in their fighting styles, with Brady methodically dismantling Edwards both standing and on the ground. Edwards, 33, was visibly struggling as he faced Brady’s ground-and-pound tactics, with the American not only scoring strikes but looking for submissions that continually tested the former champion's resolve.
By the time the fight reached the fourth round, Brady had amassed a total of 221 strikes landed, coupled with an impressive 11 minutes and 10 seconds of ground control. This pervasive dominance allowed him to capitalize on an opening, placing Edwards in a guillotine choke from mount. Edwards, unable to escape, tapped out at 1:39 of the round, acknowledging Brady’s prowess.
Post-fight, Brady expressed his aspirations. He stated, "If I win against Leon, I will become the No. 1 contender," and after the bout, his emphatic submission confirms his rising status in the division. Comparatively, this marks another setback for Edwards, who has now failed to secure a victory since his title defense against Colby Covington in December 2023. Following the fight, Edwards voiced his determination to regain his title contention, saying, "I’m looking to become a champion again." His insistence on bouncing back, despite this loss, indicates a fighter still hungry for success.
The impromptu main event drew notable attention, not just for the performances of Brady and Edwards but also for a highly competitive co-main event between Carlos Ulberg and Jan Blachowicz. Ulberg, showcasing superior kickboxing skills, emerged victorious by unanimous decision, demonstrating his well-rounded talents as a contender for the light heavyweight belt. With an arsenal of 66 leg kicks that kept Blachowicz at bay, Ulberg is now on an impressive eight-fight winning streak, assertively calling for a title shot against Magomed Ankalaev.
The UFC London card also saw several thrilling matchups featuring Brazilian fighters, contributing to an exciting atmosphere. Alexia Thainara made an impressive mark in her UFC debut, submitting Molly McCann with a rear-naked choke in the first round. Thainara's performance, coming just a week after being placed in the card, stood out as one of relentless determination amidst the chaos of higher-stakes bouts.
Kauê Fernandes secured a solid decision victory against Guram Kutateladze, outperforming expectations and marking his second consecutive win in the promotion. However, Lipe Detona faced disappointment, losing a competitive decision to Lone’er Kavanagh, leaving him in a precarious position regarding his future with the organization.
In summary, UFC London not only showcased a pivotal fight for Sean Brady as he positions himself among welterweight elites but also highlighted significant achievements from fellow fighters. This event echoes sentiments of resilience in MMA, where victors set their sights on title opportunities while those defeated re-strategize for future contests. As Brady's star rises, eyes will increasingly focus on his potential title shot amidst the welterweight division's evolving landscape.
