UFC Fight Night 255 made its highly anticipated return to London on March 22, 2025, at the O2 Arena, featuring an exciting main event between Leon Edwards and Sean Brady. After a two-year hiatus from the British capital, the event showcased a stacked card that had fans buzzing from start to finish.
Headlining the event, Leon Edwards entered the octagon looking to redeem himself after suffering a defeat to Belal Muhammad, where he lost his welterweight title at UFC 304 last summer in Manchester. The Birmingham-born fighter faced Sean Brady, ranked fifth in the welterweight division and coming off back-to-back wins over Kelvin Gastelum and Gilbert Burns. Brady, who was ready to make a name for himself by distracting Edwards from reclaiming his title, acknowledged the stakes involved. “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,” Brady stated prior to the fight. "And him being a former champion is a huge one.”
Edwards, determined to bounce back from the setbacks, expressed his mindset leading up to the fight. “I just let it sit with me for a little bit... I’m back now, in good spirits and ready to go again," he revealed, reflecting on how the experience left him introspective but motivated to reclaim his former glory.
The marquee matchup wasn’t the only source of excitement at UFC London. Molly McCann, another British fan-favorite, was under immense pressure as she prepared to face Alexia Thainara, a newcomer to the UFC due to a last-minute change in opponents. McCann entered the octagon with determination, needing a win to break her streak of three losses in four fights. "Experience is on my side. I’ve had as many fights in the UFC as she’s had professional wins," McCann emphasized before the bout.
The preliminary card thrilled spectators with several fights, including standout performances from both veterans and up-and-coming fighters. Nathan Fletcher faced Caolan Loughran in a competitive bout that ended in a split decision, boosting Loughran's record in the UFC.
Another electrifying prelim featured Shauna Bannon taking on Puja Tomar. Bannon showcased her resilience by recovering from a significant head kick to submit Tomar with an armbar.
In an earlier bout, Kaue Fernandes emerged victorious, defeating Guram Kutateladze by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 30-27 in his favor. The Brazilian proved his prowess, managing precise kicks and controlling the tempo throughout the match.
Christian Leroy Duncan also had the spotlight as he battled Andrey Pulyaev. A crowd favorite, Duncan was fulfilling expectations with a series of notable strikes and takedown attempts, eager to bounce back after a loss to Gregory Rodrigues in his last outing.
The main card featured a co-main event that held its own excitement, with Jan Blachowicz going toe-to-toe with Carlos Ulberg, who sought to extend his impressive win streak. Ulberg, having previously spent time as a kickboxer, managed to keep range and fend off Blachowicz's attempts, displaying his tactical growth within the sport.
Overall, this event symbolized a crucial juncture in the careers of many fighters battling for higher ranks and opportunities within their respective divisions. As the applause filled the O2 Arena, fight fans were reminded of the electrifying atmosphere that only live MMA can deliver.
With significant wins possibly leading to title opportunities, fighters were aware that every performance counted. Edwards and Brady’s matchup became not merely about pride but also a chance to climb toward a championship bout where titles are anything but guaranteed.
With the octagon now closed until the UFC returns again, eyes remain firmly on those superstars who were highlighted in London. Whether they tasted victory or faced defeat, they all took part in a night filled with passion and undeniable sportsmanship—a hallmark of UFC events.
As the dust settles and the fight outcomes are processed, the future for these athletes is brightly illuminated. New chapters loom on the horizon, and their next steps could be pivotal in cementing their legacies in the storied saga of mixed martial arts.
