UFC London LIVE results: Paddy Pimblett wins before Tom Aspinall injury against Curtis Blaydes

A host of British fighters will step out in front of a raucous home crowd this evening, as UFC London plays out at the O2 Arena.

In the main event, Tom Aspinall looks to continue his remarkable heavyweight run as he faces Curtis Blaydes. Wigan fighter Aspinall is 5-0 in the UFC with five stoppage victories, all of which have come in the first two rounds. Aspinall, 29, took part in his first UFC main event at the March edition of UFC London this year, submitting veteran Alexander Volkov in the first round after outstriking the Russian. Now Aspinall goes up against wrestling specialist Blaydes, whose only professional defeats have come against the hardest hitters in the division, with Francis Ngannou (twice) and Derrick Lewis having knocked out the American. The winner of tonight’s main event may even challenge for the title next time out, or they may have to take on one more test before receiving that honour.

Elsewhere on the card, fan favourite Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett takes on Jordan Leavitt. Liverpudlian lightweight Pimblett, who was the star of the show at the O2 in March, had some stern words for the American this week, saying: “My nan’s dead, and she’d finish him. I’m gonna come out and take his head off, I’m coming to take his chin home with me.” Pimblett’s fellow Scouser Molly McCann is also in action following her stunning, spinning elbow KO at the last edition of UFC London, while Scotland’s Paul Craig steps into the Octagon once again, too. Follow live updates and results from UFC London, below.

UFC London LIVE

• Blaydes def. Aspinall via first-round TKO (knee injury, 0:15)

• Hermansson def. Curtis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

• Pimblett def. Leavitt via second-round submission (rear naked choke, 2:46)

• Krylov def. Gustafsson via first-round KO (punches, 1:07)

• McCann def. Goldy via first-round TKO (elbow and punches, 3:53)

• Oedemir def. Craig via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

UFC London LIVE

23:17 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

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UFC London LIVE

23:02 , Alex Pattle

Curtis Blaydes def. Tom Aspinall via first-round TKO (knee injury, 0:15).

UFC London LIVE

23:01 , Alex Pattle

Aspinall is finally back on his feet with his left leg in a brace. He’s clearly still in a tremendous amout of pain.

UFC London LIVE

22:57 , Alex Pattle

Aspinall threw a leg kick, which landed high on Blaydes’ thigh, and then the Briton fell back to the mat after stepping backwards. The energy has totally drained from the O2.

UFC London LIVE

22:56 , Alex Pattle

Aspinall vs Blaydes – Round 1

Oh, no... Just seconds into the first round, Aspinall’s knee has given way. The fight is waved off.

UFC London LIVE

22:55 , Alex Pattle

HERE WE GO!

UFC London LIVE

22:54 , Alex Pattle

Aspinall is No 6 in the UFC’s heavyweight division, Blaydes is ranked fourth.

UFC London LIVE

22:53 , Alex Pattle

Aspinall is 5-0 in the UFC with five stoppage wins.

UFC London LIVE

22:53 , Alex Pattle

Five rounds scheduled. How many will we see?

UFC London LIVE

22:51 , Alex Pattle

“Na na na na, Tommy Aspinall, Aspinall, Tommy Aspinall,” is the song ringing around the O2 Arena.

UFC London LIVE

22:51 , Alex Pattle

Both heavyweights are in the ring. In the words of Bruce Buffer: “It’s time!”

UFC London LIVE

22:50 , Alex Pattle

Here’s what Aspinall told The Independent and other media about Blaydes last week:

“Definitely on paper it’s the toughest test of my career – 100 per cent, by far. It would be stupid to look past someone as good as Curtis. In my opinion, he is the toughest challenge in the division, so for me to look past that is basically suicide. He’s the guy who everyone’s avoiding, but if everyone’s avoiding him, that makes me want to fight him more.”

Full interview here:

Tom Aspinall: ‘I saw this all in my mind before anyone else had seen it’

UFC London LIVE

22:49 , Alex Pattle

Aspinall, as ever, is out to “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield. A great reaction for the Briton, as you’d expect, before boos greet Blayes’ entrance.

UFC London LIVE

22:47 , Alex Pattle

Here’s our exclusive interview with Aspinall’s coach Colin Heron, who also trains Darren Till.

Lots of great insight from Heron plus interesting anecdotes from Aspinall’s camp here:

Tom Aspinall’s coach Colin Heron breaks down Curtis Blaydes challenge at UFC London

UFC London LIVE

22:45 , Alex Pattle

It’s time for the main event! Wigan’s Tom Aspinall takes on American Curtis Blaydes in an important heavyweight clash.

At UFC London in March, Aspinall took part in a UFC main event for the first time. It was also his first UFC fight in front of fans, due to the pandemic.

The 29-year-old submitted veteran Alexander Volkov in the first round after outstriking the Russian.

UFC London LIVE

22:42 , Alex Pattle

Curtis continues to give Hermansson the middle finger while exiting the arena.

Hermansson, for what it’s worth, is very complimentary of Curtis’ skills during his post-fight interview.

Hermansson also apologises to the fans, which I don’t think he has any need to do.

He says he hopes they have a great main event to finish off the night on a high.

UFC London LIVE

22:39 , Alex Pattle

Jack Hermansson def. Chris Curtis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).

UFC London LIVE

22:38 , Alex Pattle

Hermansson vs Curtis – Round 3

Again Curtis presses forward, but Hermansson shows off some good head movement to avoid the American’s shots.

Curtis tries to work the body of Hermansson, but the Norwegian is keeping just enough range that the punches aren’t quite connecting cleanly.

Some stabbing front kicks to the body by Hermansson, who is exhibiting good stamina to maintain his accuracy of striking and slickness of head movement while moving backwards and laterally.

We have a brief pause in the action as Curtis is caught with an accidental low blow, but the fight is soon back under way.

Hermansson lands a smacking kick to the torso of Curtis, who only increases his forward pressure. He troubles Hermansson slightly with a left hook but is unable to follow up effectively.

More body kicks from Hermansson, who is trying and failing to slow down Curtis.

Curtis flips off Hermansson at the final buzzer, before mocking the Norwegian by running on the spot. Say what you will, but Hermansson was under pressure throughout and fought well on the back foot.

UFC London LIVE

22:31 , Alex Pattle

Hermansson vs Curtis – Round 2

Curtis with lots of forward pressure, forcing Hermansson to constantly move and counter-punch. Curtis actually gets a bit frustrated with Hermansson for not engaging enough.

Now Hermansson comes forward and hurts Curtis with a left hook! Curtis is stunned, and he shells up against the fence.

Hermansson’s follow-up punches are blocked by Curtis’ guard, but the Norwegian slices through that guard with elbows!

Referee Marc Goddard tells Curtis to fight back, which the American does while also trying to move away.

He does well to regather himself and survive the round.

UFC London LIVE

22:27 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

22:27 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

22:25 , Alex Pattle

Hermansson vs Curtis – Round 1

Lots of feinting early on. Southpaw Curtis catches Hermansson with a couple of punches as the “Joker” comes forward.

Hermansson tries an oblique kick to the thigh of Curtis, who then blocks a head kick and misses with his own left hook.

Hermansson with a lunging knee, which Curtis just about manages to block. Same again. Now Hermansson throws a body kick.

He kicks low twice and takes Curtis off balance both times. At last Hermansson shoots for a single-leg takedown, but Curtis does well to prevent it, keeping his balance and then shrugging off the Norwegian.

UFC London LIVE

22:16 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

22:16 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

22:14 , Alex Pattle

As we’ve mentioned, Curtis is stepping in for Darren Till, who always walks out to “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond.

Guess what song Curtis is walking out to? That’s right! “Evil” by Interpol.

Just kidding. It’s “Sweet Caroline” of course.

UFC London LIVE

22:12 , Alex Pattle

Hermansson is out to bounce back from a decision defeat by Sean Strickland earlier this spring.

The Swedish-born Norwegian, a submission specialist, has been up and down across his recent bouts, while Curtis is on an eight-fight winning streak (3-0 in the UFC).

Sean Strickland outstrikes Jack Hermansson in UFC Fight Night main event

UFC London LIVE

22:10 , Alex Pattle

Here’s a recap of all of tonight’s results so far:

Main card

Paddy Pimblett def. Jordan Leavitt via second-round submission (rear naked choke, 2:46)

Nikita Krylov def. Alexander Gustafsson via first-round KO (punches, 1:07)

Molly McCann def. Hannah Goldy via first-round TKO (elbow and punches, 3:53)

Volkan Oedemir def. Paul Craig via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Prelims

L’udovit Klein def. Mason Jones via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Marc Diakiese def. Damir Hadzovic via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Nathaniel Wood def. Charles Rosa via unanimous decisin (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)

Jonathan Pearce def. Makwan Amirkhani via second-round TKO (punches, 4:10)

Muhammad Mokaev def. Charles Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jai Herbert def. Kyle Nelson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Victoria Leonardo def. Mandy Bohm via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Nicolas Dalby def. Claudio Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)

UFC London LIVE

22:07 , Alex Pattle

Next up is the co-main event, in which middleweights Jack Hermansson and Chris Curtis go head to head.

American Curtis is stepping in for injured Liverpudlian Darren Till.

UFC London LIVE

22:04 , Alex Pattle

“You’ll Never Walk Alone”, the anthem of Pimblett’s beloved Liverpool FC, is played in the arena as “The Baddy” exits.

UFC London LIVE

22:03 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett’s friend Molly McCann joins him in the ring to celebrate.

UFC London LIVE

22:02 , Alex Pattle

The Liverpudlian also says he found out on Friday morning that one of his friends had killed himself this week, and Pimblett urges people to speak to someone if they’re struggling with their mental health.

UFC London LIVE

22:01 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett dedicates the win to Lee Hodgson, a four-year-old friend of his who passed away from terminal cancer recently.

UFC London LIVE

21:59 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett: “Disappointed in my performance. In the back I was firing on all cylinders. That’s not me, lad. I was s***. I’m better than that.”

UFC London LIVE

21:57 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett vs Leavitt – Round 2

Pimblett with a right hook to the body. Leavitt with a teep kick to the body to keep him at bay. Leavitt lands a decent right cross then shoots for a single-leg takedown.

He drives Pimblett back to the fence, where the Liverpudlian does well to keep things standing.

Pimblett lands a solid knee, and Leavitt goes down! Pimblett takes the back... he’s working on a rear naked choke while also throwing punches.

The crowd is singing... the choke is in... LEAVITT TAPS! PIMBLETT WINS!

UFC London LIVE

21:53 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett vs Leavitt – Round 1

Pimblett backs up Leavitt at once. He throws a grazing right overhand, then Leavitt shoots for a takedown. Pimblett sprawls well, but the American soon drags him down.

Pimblett springs to his feet but is being held against the fence. Leavitt picks up the Liverpudlian and slams him to the mat. Pimblett tries for a guillotine choke... the crowd is on edge...

He’s forced to let go, but he is soon able to stand against the cage wall. Leavitt still has control of Pimblett, and the crowd boos as the tourist keeps “The Baddy” in place.

A dynamic grappling exchange follows, with Paddy sprawling and Leavitt trying to lift him.

Eventually Pimblett gets free and the pair separate. Pimblett lands a solid punch, which the crowd loves, and he ends the round on top, throwing a few punches from above.

UFC London LIVE

21:47 , Alex Pattle

Here we go!

UFC London LIVE

21:47 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett looks focused.

UFC London LIVE

21:43 , Alex Pattle

A LOT of people are filming this entrance... Pimblett is on his way...

UFC London LIVE

21:42 , Alex Pattle

It’s time! Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett vs Jordan Leavitt at lightweight.

Boos for American Leavitt as he emerges, moments after “Oh, Paddy The Baddy” was ringing around the O2. Leavitt blows kisses to the crowd as they taunt him.

Liverpudlian Pimblett is one of the UFC’s fastest-rising stars, having gone 2-0 with two first-round stoppages in the promotion since signing last year.

Last time out, at UFC London in March, he submitted Rodrigo Vargas in the first round.

UFC London LIVE

21:38 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

21:35 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

21:32 , Alex Pattle

Nikita Krylov def. Alexander Gustafsson via first-round KO (1:07, punches).

Gustafsson looks so upset. He appears to be telling his team that he doesn’t know what went wrong.

UFC London LIVE

21:29 , Alex Pattle

Gustafsson vs Krylov – Round 1

Krylov drops Gustafsson with a right hand almost at once! The Swede does well to keep his wits about him and get back to his feet... but he’s still in trouble here. After a couple of years out of the ring, is there some rust?

Krylov soon drops him again with a right hand, before pouring on punches on the mat! And that will be it!

The last thing Gustafsson wanted or needed tonight.

UFC London LIVE

21:25 , Alex Pattle

Next up is a light heavyweight clash between former title challenger Alexander Gustafsson and Nikita Krylov.

UFC London LIVE

21:23 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

21:22 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

21:16 , Alex Pattle

McCann: “Have you ever seen lightning strike twice? Well, now you have!”

She then leads the crowd in a chant of: “Da da da da, f*** the Tories!”

UFC London LIVE

21:15 , Alex Pattle

Molly McCann def. Hannah Goldy via first-round TKO (3:53, elbow and punches).

UFC London LIVE

21:14 , Alex Pattle

That finish sent the O2 Arena into raptures. McCann vaulted over the fence in celebration. Backstage, her fellow Scouser Paddy Pimblett is loving it.

UFC London LIVE

21:12 , Alex Pattle

McCann vs Goldy – Round 1

McCann gets right after Goldy. The Liverpudlian throws a scrappy combination and appears to graze her opponent with a right hand. The next right straight definitely connects!

McCann is loading up a lot on her punches, though. She tries a body kick, but it’s caught and she’s pushed back to the fence. Good takedown defence from McCann, who is able to prevent a trip and eventually move into the clear.

She goes southpaw briefly as she hunts down Goldy. She shoves the American to the mat, where Goldy tries for a leg lock...

McCann slips free, and Goldy stands. She’s backed up against the fence, however, and McCann lands a spinning back elbow! It’s the strike that secured her a statement win here in March, and it hurts Goldy badly!

McCann pours on punches, Goldy drops to the mat, and a few strikes later it’s all over! McCann wins!

UFC London LIVE

21:07 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

21:06 , Alex Pattle

This may just be where things pick up. More boos for Goldy as Bruce Buffer introduces the Floridian.

A near-deafening cheer for McCann! Here we go...

UFC London LIVE

21:04 , Alex Pattle

McCann appeals to the crowd and gets a big roar in return!

UFC London LIVE

21:03 , Alex Pattle

Boos for Goldy...

A good reaction for McCann, who takes her time making her way to the ring, high-fiving fans as she goes.

UFC London LIVE

21:00 , Alex Pattle

Next up is a women’s flyweight bout between Liverpool’s own Molly McCann and American Hannah Goldy.

Expect a wild reaction when “Meatball Molly” emerges...

Last time out, at the March edition of UFC London, she scored arguably the knockout of the year, putting Luana Carolina out cold with a spinning back elbow.

Some called it the greatest knockout in the history of women’s MMA.

UFC London LIVE

20:56 , Alex Pattle

Volkan Oedemir def. Paul Craig via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Indy Sport had Craig winning the first round, but obviously the judges disagreed.

UFC London LIVE

20:53 , Alex Pattle

Craig vs Oezdemir – Round 3

It could well be one round apiece.

Body kick from Craig. Lots of feinting from Oezdemir before he jabs to the body.

Oezdemir catches a kick and manages the position well as Craig pulls guard. The Swiss ends up on top, throwing some hard hammer fists. Craig is able to move his head away, and he tries for an arm lock... but Oezdemir slips out.

The light heavyweights stand. Oezdemir shrugs off a takedown attempt. Craig with a spinning back kick to the body.

A clean right straight connects for Craig! The crowd liked that. Oezdemir tries for his own takedown, but Craig counters with an uppercut.

A decent combination from Craig, but Oezdemir is able to move away before the worst of it. We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards.

UFC London LIVE

20:47 , Alex Pattle

Craig vs Oezdemir – Round 2

Craig lands a head kick and then a stern one-two! He knows not to get too carried with the striking, but he’s enjoying himself for the moment. He even lands a spinning back kick to the body, then a grazing uppercut in a subsequent clinch.

He soon shoots for a double-leg takedown, but Oezdemir sprawls well and lands on top, in Craig’s half-guard. The Swiss then stands and throws some more outside leg kicks. He sprawls effectively again as Craig attempts another takedown.

Oezdemir is on top again and lands a brutal elbow that seems to have cut Craig’s cheek. He then connects with a stiff punch before backing off and allowing the Scot to stand.

A clean right cross connects for Oezdemir, but Craig fires back with a double-jab, straight combination. A right hook lands for Oezdemir now, and he catches Craig a couple of times as the crowd favourite tries to pull guard.

Another big right hand from the Swiss, who reverses a takedown attempt well. Some good defensive wrestling from Oezdemir in this round.

UFC London LIVE

20:41 , Alex Pattle

Craig vs Oezdemir – Round 1

It doesn’t take long for Craig to pull guard and go for a leg lock! The crowd knows how dangerous the Scot’s submissions are. They erupt as he tries for the finish...

But Oezdemir eventually escapes and stands! Again Craig pulls guard, but Oezdemir is able to land a couple of punches from above before standing.

Craig has no interest in striking exchanges. He feints with a couple of jabs then shoots for a single-leg takedown. Oezdemir wriggles free once more. Craig is bleeding from the right side of his head, near the top.

Craig is dropping to the mat at every opportunity, trying to force Oezdemir to engage in grappling exchanges. It’s possible that a couple of leg kicks have bothered the Scot, though, and that that’s part of the reason for the tactic.

He ends the round with a one-two and a head kick, in any case!

UFC London LIVE

20:36 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

20:35 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

20:35 , Alex Pattle

The atmosphere just picked up drastically! Craig enters the ring and looks especially intense as he runs around it, facing off with Oezdemir along the way.

Boos as Oezdemir – of Switzerland – is introduced. Huge cheers for Craig!

UFC London LIVE

20:33 , Alex Pattle

It’s time for the main card! We start with a light heavyweight clash between Scotland’s Paul Craig and former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir.

UFC London LIVE

20:16 , Alex Pattle

L’udovit Klein def. Mason Jones via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

UFC London LIVE

20:16 , Alex Pattle

Jones shakes his head as he looks out through the fence. He knows this one is going Klein’s way.

UFC London LIVE

20:15 , Alex Pattle

Jones vs Klein – Round 3

Jones grapples Klein against the fence, but the Slovak reverses the position and slams the Welshman to the canvas.

Klein moves into full guard, where Jones tries to throw up a triangle choke – to no avail.

Jones is eventually able to stand, but Klein has hooks in and hangs off the Welshman’s back.

He slips off but stays in a controlling position. The pair soon separate with 30 seconds left on the clock.

We go to the judges’ scorecards.

UFC London LIVE

20:10 , Alex Pattle

UFC London LIVE

20:09 , Alex Pattle

Jones vs Klein – Round 2

Klein with a left hook that lands clean. Jones comes back with a couple of decent punches, but his chin is up in the air and he gets caught with a powerful one-two!

The Welshman drops to the mat, his eyes glazed over, but he somehow snaps back to reality in time to defend as Klein follows him to the canvas!

Klein establishes control and is able to fend off an armbar attempt from Jones.

Jones is eventually able to stand and get to work, putting Klein’s back to the fence. Great resilience from Jones.

UFC London LIVE

20:03 , Alex Pattle

Jones vs Klein – Round 1

Jones is staring down Klein. Here we go.

Jones just about connects with a left hook. He then throws a front kick to the body. Lots of feinting from southpaw Klein, who tags Jones with a couple of hooks. Jones with an inside low kick, but Klein comes over the top with a hard, straight punch.

Jones applies some pressure before grabbing Klein against the fence. Good defence from the Slovak, though, and he frees himself before landing a crisp jab while moving away.

Jones eats a hard left head kick. He throws another teep kick to the body before grappling Klein against the cage wall. The Welshman throws a couple of knees to the body before trying an elbow off the break, but Klein slips away.

“Oh, Paddy The Baddy,” rings around the O2 Arena... He’s not going to be out until about 9pm!

Klein lands a beautiful jumping head kick!

UFC London LIVE

19:54 , Alex Pattle

One more prelim bout to come!

Wales’ Mason Jones takes on L’udovit Klein of Slovakia in a lightweight contest.

Jones, 27, knew for some time that he’d be competing on this card, but he only discovered who his opponent would be about a week ago.

UFC London LIVE

19:52 , Alex Pattle

Marc Diakiese def. Damir Hadzovic via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27).

UFC London LIVE

19:52 , Alex Pattle

Diakiese vs Hadzovic – Round 3

Hadzovic is finally able to stand with just a few seconds left in the round. Diakiese steps back before trying a creative, acrobatic kick! He misses, but he rolls under Hadzovic’s counter punch and scores one final takedown just before the buzzer sounds.

UFC London LIVE

19:49 , Alex Pattle

Diakiese vs Hadzovic – Round 3

Diakiese throws a left hook to the body then shoots for a takedown. Hadzovic defends it, but he’s tripped immediately afterwards.

A lot more control time for Diakiese now. He’s cruising to a decision win here.

UFC London LIVE

19:45 , Alex Pattle

Diakiese vs Hadzovic – Round 2

Diakiese checks a hard outside low kick. He then sees a head kick blocked. Now the Briton jabs to the body before shooting for another takedown. Hadzovic goes down fairly easily.

More control from Diakiese, and the crowd throws down a few “woo”s from the rafters of the O2 Arena.

Diakiese gets a couple of punches off with Hadzovic lying against the fence. Referee Herb Dean stands up the two lightweights and calls a doctor into the ring to check on Hadzovic’s left eye.

It’s unclear whether a clash of heads or perhaps an accidental eye poke occurred...

The doctor deems that Hadzovic is okay to continue. At once Hadzovic tries for a takedown, but Diakiese fends it off and connects with a few hooks to end the round.

UFC London LIVE

19:37 , Alex Pattle

Diakiese vs Hadzovic – Round 1

Diakiese shoots for a single-leg takedown before transitioning sucessfully into a throw! He moves into full guard, controlling Hadzovic for the time being.

Hadzovic is able to partially stand, but he can’t get far. We’re looking at nearly five whole minutes of control time if it stays like this.

Diakiese is able to land some shots from above as the round comes to an end.

UFC London LIVE

19:27 , Alex Pattle

Rosa limps past us at ringside. Wood skips past. “He’s back!” the Briton grins.

Next up is a lightweight contest between Damir Hadzovic and Britain’s Marc Diakiese.

UFC London LIVE

19:25 , Alex Pattle

Nathaniel Wood def. Charles Rosa via unanimous decisin (30-26, 30-26, 30-27).

UFC London LIVE

19:24 , Alex Pattle

Wood vs Rosa – Round 3

Rosa is fighting almost exclusively out of a southpaw stance now. Again Wood kicks the American’s left leg out from under him, though.

Wood with a nasty knee up the middle, before Rosa misses with a spinning back elbow. Rosa’s mouth is badly bloodied.

Wood eats a left hook, but he takes it well. He trips Rosa again. The referee could genuinely rule a TKO from these leg kicks...

Once more Rosa goes down from a leg kick. He urges Wood to ‘stand and bang’ with 20 seconds left, but Wood is too smart to get suckered in. He’s easily ahead on the scorecards and he knows it.

UFC London LIVE

19:18 , Alex Pattle

Wood vs Rosa – Round 2

Rosa comes out southpaw for this round. Wood immediately lands a decent right cross. He then smashes Rosa with another and taunts the American.

Rosa connects with a winging left hook, but Wood gets hold of him in the next exchange, initiating a Thai clinch and trying for an elbow.

Wood drops Rosa with a leg kick then lands a clean punch to the downed American! Rosa springs back to his feet but eats a sharp jab – and another. Wood taunts Rosa again. A brutal elbow from Wood in close now.

Wood trips Rosa with ease, then thrashes a leg kick into the American’s injured ankle. Ouch.

How much longer can Rosa go on, on that left leg?

UFC London LIVE

19:12 , Alex Pattle

Wood vs Rosa – Round 1

Hard leg kick from Wood. He blocks a high kick. He then catches Rosa with a left hook and a right cross up top. Another right straight.

Rosa tries for a single-leg takedown, but Wood defends it well and moves away. Rosa switches stances briefly to southpaw.

Wood catches him with another left hook, then drops him with a well-timed leg kick. For a second it seemed that Rosa’s leg might have been in a bad way... but he’s back up. Perhaps Wood should have pounced there...

Back on the feet, and Wood just about blocks a knee up the middle. And another! If one of those lands...

Left hook, right hook from Wood! He’s much the slicker striker. It also seems that Rosa’s foot is injured from that earlier leg kick after all; he’s switching stances back and forth but is tentative both ways.

We have a brief pause in the action after an accidental low blow from Rosa. Wood hammers another low kick into that left leg of Rosa. He then kicks to the body, but it’s caught, and Rosa picks up the Briton before slamming him to the mat.

Rosa tries for a guillotine, and for a second it looks like Wood might have passed out... but he twitches, and makes it to the buzzer!

UFC London LIVE

19:04 , Alex Pattle

“Let’s go!” shouts Wood as he runs around the ring. He touches gloves with Rosa along the way.

Rosa is pacing back and forwards. He is amped up.

UFC London LIVE

19:03 , Alex Pattle

A great reaction for Wood!

UFC London LIVE

19:01 , Alex Pattle

Next up is Nathaniel Wood’s featherweight debut. The former bantamweight, the only Londoner on the card tonight, faces Charles Rosa.

Wood was meant to fight at the O2 Arena in March, but his opponent withdrew on short notice.

UFC London LIVE

18:58 , Alex Pattle

Jonathan Pearce def. Makwan Amirkhani via second-round TKO (4:10, punches).

UFC London LIVE

18:57 , Alex Pattle

Amirkhani vs Pearce – Round 2

Amirkhani with the greater control in the first round; Pearce doing more damage.

Pearce starts Round 2 by throwing a couple of body kicks that just about get through Amirkhani’s defence. And another, and another.

Amirkhani looks to be breathing heavily, and those kicks will only make things worse for him. He is, however, able to connect with a left hook. Pearce lands a heavy right hook, though, and takes down Amirkhani with ease against the cage. Amirkhani is definitely tired, and Pearce knows it.

Pearce tries to get into mount, but Amirkhani is framing well to keep the American at bay. Pearce does get into side control, though, where he lands a brutal knee to the body and a punch to the head.

Pearce is landing a lot of unasnwered punches... the referee is thinking abnout stopping this fight... and he does!

Pearce with the TKO!

UFC London LIVE

18:51 , Alex Pattle

Amirkhani vs Pearce – Round 1

Amirkhani stands with his hands behind his back, looking nice and relaxed. And we’re under way.

Amirkhani tries for a jumping front kick, but it’s a bit telegraphed. He goes for a single-leg takedown, but Pearce lands some decent elbows to slow down the Swede. He’s landing so many, and Amirkhani is busted open!

Eventually “Mr Finland” secures the takedown, though Pearce is still doing a decent job of making life hard for Amirkhani. Pearce partially stands, but Amirkhani drags him back down with a guillotine attempt... He can’t complete the submission, and Pearce is able to get free and stand.

Amirkhani follows him up. A decent jab lands for Amirkhani, over the top of a body kick from Pearce. A southpaw left straight connects for Amirkhani, who then transitions into a takedown attempt.

Good scrambling from Pearce, though, and he briefly looks for an armbar. Pearce is able to get on top, where he hammers punches into Amirkhani’s ribs to end the round.

UFC London LIVE

18:43 , Alex Pattle

Moving swiftly onto the next prelim bout...

Makwan Amirkhani takes on Jonathan Pearce at featherweight.

Sweden’s Amirkhani submitted Britain’s Mike Grundy early in the first round at the March edition of UFC London.

UFC London LIVE

18:41 , Alex Pattle

Muhammad Mokaev def. Charles Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Mokaev stays unbeaten, moving to 8-0 (1 No Contest)! Nowhere near as emphatic as his win here in March, but another step towards his goal of becoming the youngest ever UFC champion.

UFC London LIVE

18:40 , Alex Pattle

It’s just a matter of how wide the scorecards will be in Mokaev’s favour.

UFC London LIVE

18:39 , Alex Pattle

Mokaev vs Johnson – Round 3

Johnson’s corner calls for “urgency” before the final round starts. The American and Mokaev embrace before the action resumes.

Johnson just about blocks a high kick. He sprawls well to defend a single-leg takedown attempt, but he’s got his back against the fence and soon hits the mat. Yet again tonight he stands, but he’s still being controlled by Dagestani-born Mokaev.

Mokaev forces Johnson along the fence and completes a single-leg takedown. Johnson is able to create some space, but a neat roll by Mokaev ensures that the Briton maintains control.

Johnson is finally able to stand and get free, but only for a split second. Johnson comes close to locking in a guillotine choke with about 30 seconds left on the clock! But he can’t get it secured.

UFC London LIVE

18:33 , Alex Pattle

Mokaev vs Johnson – Round 2

Mokaev misses with a high kick, then a low one. He switches into a southpaw stance for the briefest moment.

Johnson drops Mokaev with a leg kick as the off-balance Briton is throwing his own kick. Mokaev stands and shoots for a double-leg takewdown. He gets Johnson to the fence and down to the canvas.

Johnson again does a great job in standing up, but Mokaev has one leg hook in and is trying to put as much weight as possible on the American.

The flyweights hit the mat again, where Johnson tries for an arm lock, but it’s not quite there. Some decent scrambling from Johnson, but he can’t get free.

UFC London LIVE

18:26 , Alex Pattle

Mokaev vs Johnson – Round 1

Lots of forward pressure from Mokaev early on; he even forces Johnson to trip over his own feet.

Mokaev lands a few left hands, one of which appears to stun Johnson slightly, before the Briton transitions from strikes to a takedown attempt rapidly.

He slams Johnson to the mat, but the American is quick to stand. Mokaev soon gets him down again, but he can’t lock in the rear naked choke that he’s seeking.

Once more Johnson stands, but he’s stuck against the fence. He has his face to the cage wall and throws a couple of back elbows. Again he’s taken down, again he stands. And repeat.

The round ends there. A comfortable one for Mokaev.

UFC London LIVE

18:21 , Alex Pattle

Herbert limps past media row after eating a lot of hard leg kicks tonight.

Now it’s 21-year-old Muhammad Mokaev vs Charles Johnson at flyweight. A great reaction for Britain’s Mokaev! He won via submission in 58 seconds here in March.

UFC London LIVE

18:15 , Alex Pattle

Jai Herbert def. Kyle Nelson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Herbert definitely won Round 3, while the first two frames were close.

UFC London LIVE

18:15 , Alex Pattle

Jai Herbert def. Kyle Nelson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

Herbert definitely won Round 3, while the first two frames were close.

UFC London LIVE

18:12 , Alex Pattle

Herbert vs Nelson – Round 3

Herbert with a leg kick; Nelson with a stiffer one. Good left hook up top for Nelson. Right straight from Herbert.

Herbert with lovely takedown defence, and he ends up on top of Nelson in half-guard! The first two rounds were closely contested; this could be a crucial period for Herbert.

He’s controlling Nelson, who has managed to get to the fence but is struggling to get free.

Eventually Nelson is able to stand and get Herbert’s back to the cage wall. And the buzzer sounds.

UFC London LIVE

18:06 , Alex Pattle

Herbert vs Nelson – Round 2

Nelson presses forward, but he’s caught with a well-timed overhand right! That allows Herbert to move forward himself. He misses with a head kick and eats a low kick – and another. He fires back with one of his own, and then digs a body kick into Nelson’s ribs.

Now he burrows two left hooks into the same spot! Nelson has had enough and grabs Herbert, pushing him back to the fence as the crowd boos. Again Herbert reverses the position.

The Briton lands an elbow, but Nelson fires back with an uppercut. Herbert backs away and the lightweights will fight in the open.

Solid leg kicks by Nelson, but he’s caught with a piercing right cross! Nelson tries to grab hold of Herbert, who times a knee perfectly as the Canadian ducks! Nelson’s head jolts back!

UFC London LIVE

18:00 , Alex Pattle

Herbert vs Nelson – Round 1

Now the atmosphere grows a little tense for the first time tonight.

Lots of feinting from Herbert early on. He’s light on his feet. He tries for a one-two, but Nelson is out of range. Now it’s Nelson who misses as he lunges in with a left hook.

Nelson catches a body kick and looks to take down Herbert, who shows good enough defence to stay standing, although he is driven back to the fence. Herbert is able to reverse the position, but he eats a couple of stiff elbows.

The pair move into the open, where Herbert evades a front kick up top and blocks a left high kick. He is caught hard with a leg kick, though.

UFC London LIVE

17:54 , Alex Pattle

Boos for Nelson as Bruce Buffer makes the Canadian’s introduction.

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