LONDON – UFC Fight Night 255 is gearing up to be a thrilling event with several compelling matchups set to take place at The O2 Arena in London. The headliner for this event is a highly anticipated clash between former welterweight champion Leon Edwards and rising star Sean Brady, while Carlos Ulberg will look to assert his status as the No. 1 contender against veteran Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event.
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Edwards (formerly the champion) enters the Octagon seeking redemption after losing his title to Belal Muhammad in July 2024. He faces the highly regarded Brady, who has an impressive record of 17-1 and comes into this fight riding a two-fight win streak. The stakes couldn't be higher, as both fighters aim to establish themselves firmly in the title conversation.
Edwards, known for his well-rounded fighting style, will be looking to prove he still belongs among the elite fighters in the division. “This fight is going to be very important for where he goes in his life,” said Brad Pickett, a veteran of the sport who supports Edwards in this crucial matchup. Pickett believes the matchup against Brady represents an opportunity for Edwards to bounce back and re-establish himself after losing his title.
Meanwhile, Brady is not taking his upcoming challenge lightly. The Philadelphia native is poised and ready to shake up the welterweight division. “I think that’s a bad look on Leon to be thinking about other people when all I'm thinking about is fighting him,” Brady said, clearly focused on the task at hand, as any distraction could prove costly in this high-stakes clash.
The co-main event features a matchup that could determine the future of the light heavyweight division. Carlos Ulberg, currently on a remarkable seven-fight win streak, faces off against former champion Jan Blachowicz, who is returning to the Octagon after a lengthy recovery from surgery on both shoulders and a challenging stint on a reality TV show in Asia. Ulberg (12-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC) believes that a victory over Blachowicz (29-10-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) would solidify his claim for a title shot, stating, “When you look at it, you’ve got someone who’s on a seven-fight win streak, the most in the light heavyweight division so far.”
Beating Blachowicz is no small feat, as the 42-year-old fighter has a wealth of experience and a history of successful bouts, including winning the UFC title in 2020. After a lengthy recovery process, during which Blachowicz learned to appreciate the simpler things in life, he is ready to compete again. “Because I want to. I miss the feelings that happen in fight week, the emotions,” Blachowicz stated, reaffirming his love for the sport and desire to compete despite the adversities he has faced.
Meanwhile, making her mark on the event will be Shauna Bannon, a rising star in the women’s divisions. After turning pro in 2022, Bannon has made significant strides within the MMA landscape, notably being part of the Irish revolution in the sport. She is set to fight Puja Tomar, aiming to build momentum after a recent victory over Alice Ardelean. Reflecting on her journey, Bannon admitted, “I think this is only the start of my UFC career... I feel like now is the official real start of my career in the UFC.”
Her confidence and determination shine through as she embraces the pressure that comes with fighting at this level. “I think pressure is a privilege and I am where I want to be,” Bannon expressed, highlighting her commitment to not only her performance but also to uplifting women’s participation in MMA.
With the rise of female athletes in the UFC, Bannon represents a new generation of fighters who are making waves in the sport. “There’s a lot more girls doing it at a higher level,” she noted, setting an inspiring example for future generations of female fighters.
As the card unfolds, expect electrifying performances from all the competitors. UFC Fight Night 255 promises significant implications for the careers of the fighters involved while showcasing the growing popularity of MMA globally. Fans eagerly await these matchups, drawing hope from the past successes of champions and rising stars alike.
Don’t miss a moment of UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady, live from The O2 Arena in London. The prelims kick off at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT, with the main card starting at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT on ESPN+.
