The UFC makes its 16th appearance in London this weekend for what promises to be another electrifying night in the capital. Birmingham's Leon Edwards seeks a dominant victory to earn himself another shot at welterweight gold as he takes on American Sean Brady. Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg meet in a pivotal co-feature match-up, while Liverpudlian Molly McCann makes her return to the Octagon against Alexia Thainara.
The London card also features some of British MMA's biggest stars, including Nathaniel Wood, Lone'er Kavanagh, Jai Herbert, and Mick Parkin. MMA's biggest league first appeared in the big smoke in July 2002 in front of 5,000 people at the Royal Albert Hall, hosting some of the greatest fighters in UFC history. From Michael Bisping's iconic fight with Anderson Silva to Tom Aspinall's heavyweight domination and Jorge Masvidal's nasty knockout over Darren Till, the UFC's presence has grown remarkably since then.
Edwards looks to kickstart his journey back to the welterweight title this weekend, having dropped the belt last July in Manchester after a disappointing performance against Belal Muhammad. Edwards, 33, is eager to bounce back against Brady, who comes in as a late replacement for Jack Della Maddalena, drafted into the UFC 315 main event post-injury. Brady, 32, is renowned for his wrestling prowess and enters the octagon with only one pro loss, which came against the current champion in 2022.
Alongside Edwards, the event will showcase the much-anticipated return of Molly McCann. The Liverpudlian had a standout moment in July 2022 when she made history as the first female to appear on a British UFC main card, flattening Luana Carolina with a vicious spinning elbow. She followed that up with another stunning performance using a similar technique against Hannah Goldy just months later.
This time, McCann hopes to secure a much-needed victory after struggling in her last few outings, aiming to regain her winning edge against Thainara. The excitement builds around the event as McCann is among numerous other British talents, including Nathaniel Wood facing Morgan Charriere, and Jai Herbert battling Chris Padilla.
UFC London is set for Saturday, March 22, 2025, with prelims kicking off at 5 PM GMT (9 AM PT / 11 AM CT / 12 PM ET), followed by the main card at 8 PM GMT (12 PM PT / 2 PM CT / 3 PM ET). Fans can catch the action live on TNT Sports in the UK and stream it on ESPN+ in the US.
The anticipation builds not just for the fighters entering the octagon but for fans recalling some iconic moments from past events in London. Michael Bisping's epic duel against Anderson Silva in February 2016 saw him emerge victoriously, becoming the first British fighter to win a UFC title shortly after. He prevailed via unanimous decision, impressively overcoming a controversial knockdown to deliver an emotional performance.
Bisping's post-fight comments, in which he expressed admiration for Silva, resonate deeply with fans: “I used to stay up until five in the morning to watch this guy, every time,” he said, reflecting on his journey and the significance of that victory.
Another highlight to remember is Jorge Masvidal's stunning knockout of Darren Till in March 2019, where he silenced a boisterous home crowd. Masvidal, at that time, was thought to be at the end of his career. However, he turned the tide by landing a powerful left hook, making history in front of 18,000 witnesses.
Tom Aspinall also marked his arrival on the big stage with a quick first-round armbar submission over Alexander Volkov in March 2022, demonstrating the potential for British fighters to shine in the heavyweight division.
The UFC London card not only promises thrilling matchups but also embodies the growth of MMA in the UK, showcasing the resilience and skills of British fighters. As fans eagerly await what this fight night holds, the excitement reflects the collective aspiration of both fighters and fans alike, cemented by the city’s robust history with the sport.
Tickets for UFC London are available through multiple outlets including Ticketmaster, starting at £308.40, with various offerings from Vivid Seats, Stubhub, and Viagogo. There are also exclusive hospitality packages available through Seat Unique, a reflection of the high demand and stature embedded in these events.
As the countdown continues, the eyes of the MMA world will be fixed on London this weekend. With a night filled with promise, drama, and the potential for history-making fights, UFC London 2025 stands as a pivotal moment for many athletes looking to make their mark on the canvas.
