THE O2 arena in London is set to host UFC for the first time since the start of the pandemic TONIGHT.
UFC president Dana White informed SunSport in December that the surge in Omicron cases put the show in doubt.
2
2
But the relax in restrictions confirmed by the UK Government, have enabled a 12th show to be hosted in the English capital.
Which means supporters of UFC are in for a treat with a scheduled filled with action from inside the octagon.
Below is ALL the information required regarding the showpiece event.
When is UFC London and where can I watch it?
- UFC London will be taking place on Saturday, March 19.
- It is scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena in London.
- The action will be broadcast live from 6pm UK time.
- BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD is the official channel for the showpiece event.
- Subscription members will be able to stream UFC London live via the BT Sport website or app.
What is the fight card for UFC London?
Wigan born Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov will headline the main event in a heavyweight clash despite concerns that the latter wouldn’t be able to make it following his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, fan favourite Paddy Pimblett will be hoping to build on his successful UFC debut with a bout against Mexican fighter Rodrigo Vargas in the lightweight division.
Main Card:
- Alexander Volkov vs Tom Aspinall
- Arnold Allen vs Dan Hooker
- Paddy Pimblett vs Rodrigo Vargas
- Shamil Abdurakhimov vs Sergei Pavlovich
- Nikita Krylov vs Paul Craig
- Gunnar Nelson vs Takashi Sato
Preliminary Card:
- Jai Herbert vs llia Topuria
- Muhammad Mokaev vs Cody Durden
- Mike Grundy vs Makwan Amirkhani
- Molly McCann vs Luana Carolina
- Jack Shore vs Timur Valiev
- Cory McKenna vs Elise Reed
- Nathaniel Wood vs Vince Morales
Subject to change
What has been said?
Speaking on his headline fight, Tom Aspinall mentioned that he is prepared for a change of fighter should Volkov be denied of a visa to enter the country.
The British fighter highlighted to Submission Radio there has been: “No official updates, but Volkov has made it into the country.
“I know last week in the UK, the British Boxing Board of Control banned all fighters from like Wednesday or Thursday and they already had Russian fighters in the country so hopefully, that’s not going to happen to us.
“I’ve seen a few people like, keep sending me screenshots of him. I’m just like, it’s f****** weird, ‘I know that he’s here, stop sending me screenshots of him like walking around in the middle of London’.
“But yeah, he’s in the country, he’s made it anyway. So it’s all positive stuff. He’s coming.”
-
McKenna vs Reed – Round Three
McKenna is getting hit a little bit too much for liking here. Reed is landing at will – so much so one wonders why McKenna is continuing to adopt her current approach.
But as I say that, she lands a big takedown and transitions to half guard.
Good defence from Reed who manages to put the Welshwoman back in her guard.
But they bounce back to their feet. And that return to the centre of the octagon leads to another right hand catching McKenna flush.
McKenna looks for another takedown seconds before the round. She fails to get it before the buzzer.
For me, I think Reed should get the nod.
-
McKenna vs Reed – Round Two
Team Alpha Male’s McKenna is still having trouble closing the distance and landing shots of her own.
Her entries are telegraphed and she’s been countered with ease.
The left hook of Reed is repeatedly finding the target and are slowly but surely damaging the face.
Late takedown attempt for McKenna. She hoists Reed up and slams her on the canvas with seconds of the round remaining.
Another round in the bank for Reed.
-
McKenna vs Reed – Round One
A big right hand lands for Reed early doors. And another from the Taekwondo stylist.
Wales’ McKenna has yet to establish herself in the round. But as I say that, she lands a good right hand.
Reed – however – responds with two of her own that stuns the 22-year-old.
Takedown attempt from McKenna on the back of a right hand from Reed.
Good takedown defence from Reed so far. But a beautiful high-crotch transition from Poppins brings the fight down to her domain.
Nice elbows land for McKenna before Reed bounces back to her feet. Side kick lands for Reed before the buzzer goes.
-
WE ARE LIVE
Hello, folks. And welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of UFC London. We’ve got a stacked card at the O2.
The Brit’s are already in the win column following a stunning victory for Muhammad Mokaev – who submitted Cody Durden via first-round guillotine choke.
Up next is a strawweight showdown between Cory Mckenna and Elise Reed.
