And that`s a wrap
Thank you for following our coverage of UFC 254 at London`s 02 Arena.
In case you missed it, Leon Edwards` hopes for another shot at the welterweight title were dashed by a dominant defeat to Sean Brady.
Brady from Philadelphia dealt a heavy blow to Edwards` ambition to become a two-time champion, submitting him in the fourth round of their fight at the North Greenwich venue.
It`s on?
Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has suggested that a major fight with undisputed champion Jon Jones is close to being announced.
The fighter from Wigan caused excitement in the MMA world by posting a photo on Instagram with himself, his father Andy, and UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell on Saturday.
His caption, featuring eyes and handshake emojis, read: “Stay tuned.”
Gillis all smiles
Shane Gillis was also present at UFC 254 in London`s O2 last night.
The comedian is currently touring in the UK and has a show scheduled for the O2 Indigo tonight.
The Special One in attendance
Former managers of Chelsea and Manchester United, Jose Mourinho, received a warm welcome from the audience at ringside last night.
When asked for his prediction on the Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady main event, Mourinho made a famous reference, saying: “I think if I speak, I’m in trouble!”
What now?
Leon Edwards` career appears to be in a difficult position after suffering his second consecutive loss.
What are the next steps for the fighter?
Edwards` strange tactics
In the third round, Edwards countered Brady`s early aggression with an elbow, causing Brady to attempt a takedown.
Edwards defended well but then surprisingly attempted his own takedown, which allowed Brady to gain control and land more strikes before the round ended.
Perhaps cautious of takedowns during striking exchanges, Edwards seemed to retreat at the start of the fourth round.
This provided an opportunity for Brady to secure a takedown against the fence.
Brady then transitioned to a guillotine choke, which was so effective that Edwards had to submit.
Brady pays tribute
An excited Brady said: “I accepted this fight right after leaving the hospital with my wife and newborn baby.
“Dana gave me a great opportunity to come 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 02 last night.
He followed the event from the preliminary fights.
Imminent Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall announcement?
Tom Aspinall has hinted that his anticipated fight with Jon Jones is very close to being announced.
He created 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, including looking eyes and handshake emojis, said: “Stay tuned.”
Brady criticizes Edwards
Sean Brady quickly criticized Leon Edwards for underestimating him before their welterweight fight.
“He was too focused on my height. He got defeated.”
Aspinall`s comment about Jones
Tom Aspinall couldn`t resist calling Jon Jones a “duck” when Jones appeared on the big screen at the O2.
Full Report
Here is a full report from the event.
Leon Edwards suffers CRUSHING UFC London loss to leave title hopes in tatters
Small talk
Sean Brady mentioned he gained 20lb since the weigh-in just 24 hours prior.
He stated: “I heard all week people saying I`m too small. I`m not small for welterweight, I was 190lb when weighed backstage.
“I`m just short, and that`s fine.”
Brady thanks Dana
Sean Brady thanked UFC president Dana White for the opportunity to fight Leon Edwards.
He said: “I accepted 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 for sure.
“Dana provided me with a fantastic opportunity to come here. I appreciate the UK fans, apologies for defeating your fighter, but much respect.”
Elton Marrow