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FIVE FIGHTERS WHO MUST BE AT UFC LONDON

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Whether he was supposed to or not, UFC legend Michael Bisping let slip that London is set to welcome the UFC once again in July, news that will have raised the eyebrows of some of the UK’s brightest prospects. But which of them simply MUST be in that O2 octagon in 4 months’ time?

  1. Tom Aspinall

It’s still up in the air whether this will be a Fight Night, or a numbered UFC card, that would of course be dependent on the involvement of Welterweight champion Leon Edwards. If July comes around too soon for the champ, the most likely headline act will be the return of Tom Aspinall. After headlining both of 2022’s London events, Aspinall has been away from the cage for the past year, following the injury he sustained in the early moments of his math-up with Curtis Blaydes. With the Heavyweight title still firmly in his sights, an instant return to a fight amongst the division’s elite might not be wise, and all signs are pointing towards a main or co-main event bout against Marcin Tybura. A win propels Aspinall well into the title shot conversation, joining the likes of Blaydes, Pavlovich, Gane and Miocic. It might not be the most inspiring match up for Aspinall, but it’s the ideal one for him, and the O2 will be buzzing to welcome him back.

  1. Molly McCann

The subject of the Bisping video that broke the news was Paddy Pimblett calling out Jared Gordon from what looked like a hospital bed where he was presumably getting a massage for his ego. It’s unlikely that Pimblett will be ready for July, which could provide the perfect opportunity for the O2 crowd to appreciate Molly McCann for being Molly McCann. After shining in both of the London events in 2022, McCann went on to lose to Erin Blanchfield in a defeat that has aged pretty well. July presents the perfect chance for her to bounce back, and a fight against a ranked Flyweight would earn her a place in the rankings. Miranda Maverick, Tracy Cortez and Cynthia Calvillo would all provide an exciting test for Molly.

  1. Jake Hadley

In an ideal world, July would see Hadley face another UK star, Muhammad Mokaev in a what would be a gripping grudge match against 2 prospects that it’d be safe to say, don’t get along. It’s not an impossibility, but Jafel Filho made sure that Mokaev’s knee was already in July, and if he has any sense about him, he’ll take some time off and get himself fully fixed up. Mokaev aside, Hadley was one of the standout performers at UFC 286 and is an absolute shoe in for another fight at the O2. A win would likely earn Hadley a number next to his name, and a match-up with Bruno Silva, Sumudaerji or Tyson Nam would be fun.

  1. Nathaniel Wood

Speaking of potential all British affairs, hopefully July provides the perfect platform for the Nathaniel Wood vs Lerone Murphy fight that was sadly lost from the UFC 286 card. Wood missed out due to a shoulder injury and Murphy secured a win against an impressive Gabriel Santos. The pair have had a few unfriendly interactions with each other since, and rebooking this would be a treat for London crowd.

  1. Christian Leroy Duncan

Finally, the sooner CLD gets the opportunity to announce himself in the UFC, the better. He was well on course to doing so against Dusko Todorovic at UFC 286, but a freak injury to his opponent denied him. Oh boy, he was looking good though! Hopefully Duncan gets to make his mark in style at the O2 in July. Who he could face remains to be seen, but Tresean Gore would be my match-up of choice.

There are so many more names that we would all love to see there, the likes of Jack Shore, Cory McKenna, Sam Patterson and Modestas Bukauskas spring to mind. Whoever we see and whatever unfolds, it’s great to have so much UFC happening in the UK. But Dana, if you’re reading this… Leon in Cardiff next time please.