In a stunning turn of events at UFC London, Leon Edwards was decisively defeated by Sean Brady. The former champion experienced a significant upset in front of his home crowd.
Edwards, a crowd favorite, was trailing on scorecards before succumbing to a submission in the fourth round. This was his first fight in the Octagon since losing his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad last summer.
And that`s a wrap
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Leon Edwards` hopes for reclaiming the welterweight title were dashed as he suffered a dominant defeat to Sean Brady.
Brady from Philadelphia dealt a major blow to Edwards` ambition of becoming a two-time champion, submitting him in the fourth round of their fight at the North Greenwich venue.
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It`s on?
Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has suggested that a highly anticipated fight with undisputed champion Jon Jones is close to being announced.
Aspinall ignited excitement in the MMA community by posting a photo on Instagram with his father, Andy, and UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell on Saturday.
His caption, featuring eye and handshake emojis, read: “Stay tuned.”
Gillis all smiles
Shane Gillis was also present at UFC 254 in London`s O2 Arena last night.
The comedian is currently touring the UK and has a show scheduled for tonight at the O2 Indigo.
The Special One in attendance
Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, received a warm reception from the crowd at ringside last night.
When asked for his prediction on the Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady main event, Mourinho made a playful reference to his famous quote.
He quipped: “I think if I speak, I’m in trouble!”
What now?
Leon Edwards` career faces uncertainty after his second consecutive defeat.
What are the next steps for the Birmingham fighter?
Edwards` strange tactics
In the third round, Edwards countered Brady`s early aggression with a strong elbow, forcing Brady to attempt a takedown.
Edwards defended well initially but then surprisingly went for a takedown himself, which allowed Brady to gain control and land more ground strikes before the round ended.
Perhaps cautious of takedowns during striking exchanges, Edwards seemed to fight defensively at the start of the fourth round.
This encouraged Brady to shoot for a takedown against the fence.
Brady successfully transitioned to a tight guillotine choke, forcing Edwards to tap out.
Brady pays tribute to Britain
An elated Sean Brady said: “I accepted this fight shortly after leaving the hospital with my wife and newborn child.
“Dana gave me a fantastic opportunity to compete here.
“I love the UK fans, sorry for defeating your guy, but I have a lot of respect.”
The big man in the building
Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall enjoyed the atmosphere at the O2 last night.
The Wigan native watched from the preliminary fights onwards.
Imminent Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall announcement?
Tom Aspinall has strongly hinted that an announcement for his highly anticipated fight against Jon Jones is imminent.
The Wigan fighter caused excitement in the MMA world by posting a photo on Instagram with his dad, Andy, and UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell on Saturday.
His caption, including eye and handshake emojis, simply said: “Stay tuned.”
Brady blasts Edwards
Sean Brady quickly criticized Leon Edwards for seemingly overlooking him in the lead-up to their welterweight fight.
“He was too focused on my height. He got beat.”
Aspinall`s jibe at Jones
Tom Aspinall couldn`t resist calling Jon Jones a “duck” when Jones appeared on the big screen at the O2 Arena.
Read all about it
Here is SunSport`s Chisanga Malata`s full fight report from ringside.
Leon Edwards suffers CRUSHING UFC London loss to leave title hopes in tatters
Small talk
Sean Brady disclosed that he gained 20lb since the weigh-in just 24 hours prior.
He commented: “I heard all week people saying I`m too small. I`m not small for welterweight, I was 190lb when they weighed me backstage.
“I`m just short, and that`s fine.”
Brady thanks Dana
Sean Brady expressed his gratitude to UFC president Dana White for the opportunity to fight Leon Edwards.
He stated: “I took this fight the day I was discharged from the hospital with my wife and our newborn baby.
“I knew I was capable of this, and I believe I belong in the top three without a doubt.
“Dana gave me an amazing opportunity to compete here. I appreciate the UK fans, and while I apologize for defeating your hometown fighter, I have immense respect.”
Elton Marrow