The UFC is set to make its 16th visit to London this Saturday during the week of March 19-23, 2025, for Fight Night 255—a highly anticipated event at The O2 Arena featuring a thrilling welterweight main bout between former champion Leon Edwards and rising contender Sean Brady.
Coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and Disney+, with the main card scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. Edwards, sporting a record of 22 wins and 4 losses, is making his return to the octagon for the first time since his defeat to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 last July. Before that setback, he had an impressive 13-fight unbeaten streak. Originally slated to face Jack Della Maddalena—who will now challenge Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315 in May—Edwards hopes to bounce back against Brady, a formidable grappler from Philadelphia.
Brady, holding a record of 17 wins and one loss, presents an entirely different challenge compared to Della Maddalena. Following his sole career defeat to Muhammad at UFC 280 in October 2022, Brady has bounced back with back-to-back victories, including a submission win over Kelvin Gastelum in December 2023 and a unanimous decision victory against Gilbert Burns in 2024.
The fight card also features several intriguing matchups outside the main event. Notable fights include Jan Blachowicz battling Carlos Ulberg in the light heavyweight division, and Gunnar Nelson taking on Kevin Holland in another welterweight clash. Women’s strawweight fighters Molly McCann and Alexia Thainara are set to go head-to-head, and fans can expect competitive bouts among lightweight rivals Jordan Vucenic and Chris Duncan, as well as featherweight fighters Nathaniel Wood and Morgan Charrière.
As anticipation builds for UFC Fight Night 255, the spotlight is not only on the marquee matchup but also on the growing list of former UFC veterans transitioning into different combat sports formats. Various fighters have taken on challenges in kickboxing, bare-knuckle boxing, and other mixed martial arts events. These veterans are experiencing a spectrum of results, fueling discussions about their adaptability in new fighting environments.
Just last week, many former UFC fighters had mixed results in their fights, which included:
- Blood Diamond lost by unanimous decision to Jack James at Beatdown Promotions 10.
- Diego Brandao clinched a TKO victory against Jamie Siraj at Tuff-N-Uff 142.
- David Dvorak, since leaving the UFC, has managed a solid boxing record of 1-0.
Many veterans, including Andrei Arlovski and Yoel Romero, will also be competing during this week, reflecting the broader trend of fighters stepping outside the traditional confines of the UFC. This rising interest across various combat sports illustrates a vital evolution in the careers of these athletes, as they seek to find their niche and redefine their fighting legacy.
Experts and fans alike are keenly aware that the outcomes of these different competitions could shape future matchups not only for the veterans but also potentially impact the careers of those still prominent within the UFC. For Edwards and Brady, their fight represents a significant turning point—one that could alter their trajectories in the highly competitive welterweight division.
As Edwards looks to reclaim his standing after a tough defeat, Brady aims to continue his upward climb, presenting an exhilarating matchup that promises to intrigue MMA enthusiasts. As fight night approaches, the excitement in London continues to build, with both fighters expressing confidence in their respective training camps and strategic planning.
The upcoming UFC Fight Night 255 in London isn't just an event for die-hard fans; it serves as a showcase for the evolution of mixed martial arts and the resilience of its fighters who are continually looking to adapt and overcome challenges. All eyes will undoubtedly be on the octagon this Saturday as these two fierce competitors showcase their skills on a stage that has witnessed many iconic moments in MMA history.
The journey for these fighters and others like them outside the promotion is ongoing, and the results seen this week will inform the mixed martial arts community of trends and emerging talent, challenging perceptions around what it means to be a successful fighter beyond the UFC.
