LONDON – UFC Fight Night 255 took place Saturday at The O2 Arena, featuring an exciting lineup that showcased some of the top talent in mixed martial arts. Headlining the evening was former welterweight champion Leon Edwards, returning to the octagon for his first fight since losing his title in a dramatic encounter last summer.
Edwards faced Sean Brady, a formidable opponent ranked fifth in the welterweight division. Having lost the belt to Belal Muhammad last year — where he was taken down nine times and controlled for over 12 minutes — Edward’s was keen to show he deserved another shot at the title. The fight was anticipated not just for its stakes but for the grappling prowess both fighters bring into the cage.
Meanwhile, the co-main event featured a thrilling match between Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg. Despite being the older fighter at 42, Blachowicz was seen as a dangerous opponent, a former champion looking to reclaim his elite status. Ulberg, who was enjoying a seven-fight win streak, proved his mettle as he secured a unanimous decision victory with all judges scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor. "Obviously, it’s the longest win streak in the light heavyweight division. So the only thing left for me is a title shot. That’s the only thing that matters," Ulberg reflected after his win.
In another main card bout, Kevin Holland returned to the welterweight division against Gunnar Nelson, marking his first win in ten months. After an invigorating fight, Holland came out victorious by unanimous decision, showing his striking skills off his back and securing his 14th win in the UFC. "Everybody says I can’t grapple but I can grapple pretty good as long as the guy’s not 30 or 40 pounds higher than me," he said, highlighting the benefits of competing at a more suitable weight class.
Alexia Thainara made a significant impact in her debut against British fan favorite Molly McCann. After being called with just ten days’ notice, Thainara displayed confidence and skill, ultimately securing a victory by rear-naked choke in the first round. In the aftermath of the fight, an emotional McCann announced her retirement. "Tonight, with that performance against an opponent on a week’s notice, it’s not good enough," she stated. Thainara, reveling in her success, proclaimed, "This is Alexia delivery. They called me. I came. And I delivered"
Chris Duncan caused an upset by defeating local fighter Jordan Vucenic by submission in the second round, proving that he was a force to reckon with in the lightweight division. Duncan, who faced significant odds going into the fight, wasted no time in showcasing his strength and technique. "Dana White, you changed my life last time. Please change it again. I am the only Scottish guy that’s exciting. I am the man," he exclaimed post-fight, aiming for a performance bonus.
Nathaniel Wood continued his winning ways, defeating Morgan Charrière by unanimous decision in an impressive display of skill that marked his ninth win in his last twelve fights. "I have a new nickname coming for the next time out," Wood teased, hinting at how serious he is about climbing the ranks.
In preliminaries, Shauna Bannon showcased her resilience by coming from behind to beat Puja Tomar with an armbar submission in round two, while Caolán Loughran narrowly defeated Nathan Fletcher in a heated rematch with a split decision. Both fighters demonstrated the grit and determination that typifies the UFC competitors.
Overall, UFC Fight Night 255 proved to be a night to remember, with upsets and significant career-defining moments for many fighters. As these combatants look toward future opportunities, the excitement surrounding potential title matches continues to build in the wake of this event. It was not just a night of competition, but a showcase of athlete's hopes and aspirations in the thrilling world of mixed martial arts.
