UFC London LIVE updates: Aspinall vs Tybura results tonight
Tom Aspinall made a triumphant return to the ring at UFC London on Saturday, stopping Marcin Tybura in the first round.
Almost one year to the day after suffering a knee injury at the O2 Arena – just 15 seconds into a bout with Curtis Blaydes – Aspinall returned to the venue for another main event. And this one played out as differently as the Wigan heavyweight would have hoped, with Aspinall securing a TKO at 1:13 of the first round.
Aspinall, 30, hurt Tybura early with a head kick but resisted getting carried away, instead biding his time – briefly, at least – before dropping the Pole with a straight right hand. Aspinall then pounced with ground strikes, forcing the stoppage to get back to winning ways.
The result put the crowd back in jubilant spirits, after “Meatball” Molly McCann suffered a submission loss in the co-main event. The Liverpudlian fan favourite tapped to an armbar in her flyweight clash with Julija Stoliarenko.
Re-live updates and see results from UFC London below. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos.
UFC London LIVE
Wigan heavyweight Tom Aspinall stops Marcin Tybura in Round 1 at O2 Arena
Aspinall back to winning ways after suffering knee injury in last fight
Briton sustained injury 15 seconds into Curtis Blaydes fight last July
‘Meatball’ Molly McCann submitted by Julija Stoliarenko in co-main event
See UFC London results in full
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Sunday 23 July 2023 00:10 , Alex Pattle
Thank you for following our coverage tonight! Below is our report from the event. See you soon!
Tom Aspinall runs through Marcin Tybura in triumphant UFC London return
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:57 , Alex Pattle
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:56 , Alex Pattle
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:32 , Alex Pattle
Here’s a round-up of all the results tonight:
Tom Aspinall def. Marcin Tybura via first-round TKO (punches, 1:13)
Julija Stoliarenko def. Molly McCann via first-round submission (armbar, 1:55)
Nathaniel Wood def. Andre Fili via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Paul Craig def. Andre Muniz via second-round TKO (punches and elbows, 4:40)
Fares Ziam def. Jai Herbert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Lerone Murphy def. Josh Culibao via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
Daniel Marcos def. Davey Grant via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Prelims
Jonny Parsons def. Danny Roberts via second-round TKO (punches, 4:57)
Joel Alvarez def. Marc Diakiese via second-round submission (head-arm choke, 4:26)
Mick Parkin def. Jamal Pogues via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Makhmud Muradov def. Bryan Barberena via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ketlen Vieira def. Pannie Kianzad via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Chris Duncan def. Yanal Ashmouz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Bruna Brasil def. Shauna Bannon via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Jafel Filho def. Daniel Barez via first-round submission (arm-triangle choke, 1:34)
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:13 , Alex Pattle
What a performance. Devastating when he struck, but without getting carried away and leaving himself exposed.
There was one nervy moment in there, but Aspinall was so much quicker and cleaner than Tybura.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:11 , Alex Pattle
Aspinall: “I’ll tell you exactly what I’m gonna do: I’m gonna go to Paris [in September], I’m gonna sit front row for Ciryl Gane vs Sergey Spivak, and then I’m gonna fight the winner. Then, I’m gonna fight Jon Jones.”
The old Aspinall did not make callouts like that! The crowd laps it up!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:10 , Alex Pattle
Aspinall: “I wasn’t myself [last time], this is a whole new version of me.
“I’m not gonna say that I’m back; I’m different. My mind’s different.
“I’m going all the way [to the belt].”
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:09 , Alex Pattle
Tom Aspinall def. Marcin Tybura via first-round TKO (punches, 1:13).
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:08 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Aspinall looks as relaxed as can be, given what happened the last time he was in this ring.
Tybura stands southpaw. He eats a head kick early, and Aspinall thinks about going for the kill! He blitzes with a couple of punches, but then realises that Tybura is still lucid and backs off.
A nervy exchange follows, with both heavyweights eating short punches to the head. Tybura then misses with a left hook as he steps in.
OH! DOWN GOES TYBURA after a right cross! Aspinall pounces, pouring on more strikes to the downed Pole, and the referee steps in!
It’s all over! The crowd erupts! Aspinall leaps onto the top of the fence, visibly emotional!!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:04 , Alex Pattle
Aspinall is ranked fifth in the UFC heavyweight division, while Tybura is No 10.
HERE. WE. GO!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 23:01 , Alex Pattle
After Tybura walks out to “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, here comes Aspinall to his traditional walkout song: “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield.
Both are great choices by the heavyweights, if I may say so.
Aspinall is 12-3 as a pro, and all of his wins have come via stoppage. Eleven of them have come in Round 1, and one has come in Round 2. Nine of those finishes have been KOs/TKOs, and three have been submissions.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:59 , Alex Pattle
Tybura, 37, is seeking his third straight win.
The Pole (24-7) outpointed Blagoy Ivanov in February after beating Alexandr Romanov via decision in August.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:56 , Alex Pattle
Aspinall admitted after his ill-fated bout with Blaydes that the knee injury had been there, under the surface, for some time.
For a long while, the 30-year-old had been training and fighting while compromised, and it all came to a head at the worst possible time for him.
Aspinall suffered a torn MCL and stretched ACL after kicking Blaydes, but he claims that – in the months since – he has been able to train at 100 per cent for the first time in years.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:52 , Alex Pattle
Here were the scenes one year ago, when Aspinall’s knee gave way in his highly-anticipated clash with Curtis Blaydes.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Aspinall vs Tybura
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:49 , Alex Pattle
It’s up to Tom Aspinall to get the crowd going again now, as he takes on Marcin Tybura in the heavyweight main event.
It’s been almost exactly 365 days since the Wigan fighter suffered a knee injury, just 15 seconds into his main event with Curtis Blaydes at the O2 Arena – a moment that sucked the air out of the venue.
He’ll hope for a vastly different outcome tonight, as will the fans in London.
Maybe something more like his main event against Alexander Volkov here last March, when Aspinall dropped and submitted the veteran in the first round?
UFC London 2023 LIVE: McCann vs Stoliarenko
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:45 , Alex Pattle
McCann salutes the crowd as she exits the arena. Plenty of applause for her.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: McCann vs Stoliarenko
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:44 , Alex Pattle
Julija Stoliarenko def. Molly McCann via first-round submission (armbar, 1:55).
UFC London 2023 LIVE: McCann vs Stoliarenko
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:42 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
The atmosphere has hit another level, just like *that*.
McCann misses while loading up on a right hand. She eats a low kick at the same time.
There are VERY loud “Ole” chants in the O2.
Both women duck their heads and swing hooks, but neither quite lands. Decent body kick then a jab by Stoliarenko.
More risky hooks from both women. Stoliarenko then gets a double-leg, driving McCann back to the fence, dragging her to the mat, then taking the back with ease...
But McCann wriggles free, to a huge roar!
Hang on, though, Stoliarenko is working on an armbar...
AND SHE GETS THE TAP!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: McCann vs Stoliarenko
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:36 , Alex Pattle
A lot of boos for Stoliarenko, who has actually spent a lot of time training in London.
And now here comes McCann, to a much kinder reception!
Meatball Molly’s good friend, and fellow Scouser, Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett is in the crowd to support her.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: McCann vs Stoliarenko
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:28 , Alex Pattle
Next up... Liverpudlian fan favourite “Meatball” Molly McCann is in action!
She looks to bounce back from a submission loss to Erin Blanchfield, as she faces Julija Stoliarenko of Lithuania!
This flyweight bout is our co-main event.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:26 , Alex Pattle
Nathaniel Wood def. Andre Fili via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:23 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Fili with a sharp jab now. Wood with a front kick to the body, then a series of low kicks.
This is really technical stuff after the wild exchanges of the second round.
Wood fends off a clinch attempt from Fili, who then tags him with a jab.
HARD left hook by Wood, tilting back Fili’s head! The fighters then land heavy body kicks at the same time.
Well-timed jab from Wood. Fili with one of his own. Fili shrugs off a single-leg takedown attempt, then taunts Wood. But the pair show respect when the buzzer sounds!
Fight of the night, as predicted. We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:20 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Both featherweights land jabs simultaneously. Wood has done well considering the distinct length advantage that Fili possesses.
Hard outside low kick from Wood now, then a piston jab. He just misses with an overhand right, then parries a jab.
A pawing right hook lands for Wood, then a jab that snaps back Fili’s head.
A smarter round from Wood so far.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:17 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
It feels like both guys are happy to just recover in this position for the time being. You can’t blame them; this fight has been contested at 100mph.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:15 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Wood stands and wriggles free, then scurries to take Fili’s back! He gets it, and the pair hit the canvas again!
What is going on?! ‘Anything you can do,’ is the vibe of this fight!
Fili turns into Wood’s guard and SLASHES elbows into the Briton’s forehead!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:14 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Sharp jab from Fili, who is switching stances back and forth. Now he grazes Wood with a head kick.
Wood hammers a low kick Fili’s way. Fili returns the favour. This is so much fun.
OH! A left hook hurts Wood badly!! Fili follows up with hard knees in close, and Wood drops!!
Fili pounces on the Briton’s back at once!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:11 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Strong elbow by Fili from underneath. Wood stands, then Fili does the same.
Fili drives for a single-leg takedown, but he’s denied.
The round ends with Fili dancing in front of Wood. Clearly he’s recovered from that knockdown!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:08 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Fili stands southpaw. Lots of output from both guys early. OH! A straight left drops Wood!
He bounces right back to his feet, but that shot stung him... Heavy high kick from Fili now.
Wood gets a right cross around Fili’s guard. Now the Briton kicks low, inside the left leg of Fili.
OH! NOW WOOD DROPS FILI WITH TWO RIGHT STRAIGHTS! He follows up with a barrage of punches as Fili shells up against the fence, but the American is able to stem the flow of shots for now...
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs Fili
Saturday 22 July 2023 22:01 , Alex Pattle
Next up is the Indy Sport pick for fight of the night.
The sole London fighter on this card, Nathaniel Wood, goes up against Andre “Touchy” Fili (best nickname in the UFC).
This one will be contested at featherweight.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs Muniz
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:56 , Alex Pattle
Paul Craig def. Andre Muniz via second-round TKO (punches and elbows, 4:40).
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs Muniz
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:53 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Craig is in half-guard now, absorbing a fair few punches. Hang on, though... The referee stops the fight and separates the athletes...
A replay shows a nasty headbutt by Muniz! He’s warned for that.
We’re back under way, and Craig dumps down his opponent with a heavy takedown! Muniz gets straight to work on an arm lock... but Craig scrambles and ends up in side control!
Craig tries for a D’Arce, but Muniz gets free, and the Scot opts for some elbows instead. Now Craig is in mount, raining down punches!
He adds a few elbows again, and he forces the stoppage!! WOW!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs Muniz
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:50 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Craig with some offensive grappling now! He gets a body-lock takedown and lands in half-guard.
He then chooses to stand, but he eats an up-kick! The Scot is undeterred, though he ends up in a triangle attempt as he dives after Muniz...
Craig is throwing hammer fists with his free hand, and he pulls away, eventually escaping the hold!
A scramble ensues, and Muniz is in Craig’s guard.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs Muniz
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:47 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Craig leans back to evade a high kick, then drills a kick into the body of Muniz. And another! He then times a nice jab to stun the Brazilian somewhat.
Craig is moving well, looking light on his feet. He eats a head kick now, though. Craig fires back with a body kick, then flicks out a side kick to the thigh – not quite an oblique kick.
Both men just miss with punches, then Muniz catches a kick, but Craig pulls guard! Muniz hangs around down there, managing a few body shots, too.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs Muniz
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:44 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Muniz stands southpaw. Craig, orthodox, hammers a kick into the Brazilian’s mid-section.
Another body kick from Craig, who then checks a low kick. Now Muniz fires off a kick to the body.
Muniz misses with a high-kick attempt, then catches a body kick from Craig. He soon lets go, though.
Front kick to the ribs by Craig, who then parries a few jabs. Now the Scot eats a trio of straight punches, however, as Muniz strides forward.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs Muniz
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:38 , Alex Pattle
Next up... Scotland’s Paul Craig drops down to middleweight, where he will fight Brazil’s Andre Muniz.
Lots of boos for Muniz as he makes his walk! Then a lot of cheers for Craig!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs Ziam
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:34 , Alex Pattle
Fares Ziam def. Jai Herbert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs Ziam
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:30 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
The pattern of the fight continues, with Herbert holding Ziam against the fence but struggling to advance the position; the Frenchman’s defence has been really good.
Ziam almost secures a trip, but Herbert recovers well. The fighters move back to the fence, where Herbert now lands a trip. AGAIN, the lightweights stand, before trading positions against the cage wall.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs Ziam
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:27 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Brilliant elbow off the break by Ziam! He then scores with the jab.
Herbert again clinches the Frenchman against the cage wall. Ziam reverses the position, though, and gets a takedown!
A scramble ensues, and both fighters stand, with Murphy in control against the fence once more.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs Ziam
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:23 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Herbert is on the front foot so far in Round 2. Both men are letting go more with their strikes!
Herbert now grabs ahold of Ziam, who has his back to the fence.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs Ziam
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:17 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Both lightweights stand orthodox. Leon Edwards is in Herbert’s corner!
Lots of quick feints from both fighters. A jab just about gets through for Herbert.
Ziam kicks to the body now, before Herbert kicks low. Ziam slings a right overhand onto the temple of Herbert, then throws a low kick of his own.
He catches Herbert with a left hook, as the Briton misses with his own left-hook attempt.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs Ziam
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:14 , Alex Pattle
Herbert (12-4-1) trains with welterweight champion Leon Edwards, and the Briton is aiming to regain momentum here after drawing last time out.
Herbert, 35, was unable to edge past Ludovit Klein at the O2 in March, and he went 1-1 at the venue in 2022, losing via knockout to Ilia Topuria before outpointing Kyle Nelson.
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Ziam (13-4) has won eight of his last 10 bouts.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs Ziam
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:07 , Alex Pattle
Next up, Wolverhampton’s Jai Herbert takes on Frenchman Fares Ziam at lightweight!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:04 , Alex Pattle
Lerone Murphy def. Josh Culibao via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27).
Still undefeated! The “Miracle” gets it done.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:03 , Alex Pattle
This is so strange. The replays of the high kick show Murphy’s toes grazing Culibao’s midriff but missing his head; yet the Australian went down anyway. Maybe Culibao tweaked his leg, knee or foot in that moment? Or that slight contact to the body winded him...
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 21:01 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Murphy goes for a guillotine, but he can’t quite close it... so he opts to throw some more punches.
Now he tries for the guillotine once again, but Culibao defends well. Back to striking, for Murphy, who lands a nasty elbow!
We’ll go to the scorecards; that was a big round for the Briton.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:59 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
A lot of people expected more striking from this fight, but we’re seeing another extended spell of grappling right now.
Culibao is able to reverse the position against the fence and work on a double-leg takedown, but the featherweights then separate and move into space.
OH! There’s the striking that fans expected! Murphy drops Culibao with a head kick! The Briton then pounces into Culibao’s guard and fires off punches. Culibao is still lucid, though.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:55 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
The round ends with Murphy unable to secure a rear naked choke.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:53 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
A grappling exchange against the fence gives way to a nice elbow off the break by Murphy. He follows up with a long left hook but is caught with a knee to the head as he ducks.
Murphy then takes the back after a standing clinch, and he drags down Culibao. Murphy has the Aussie against the fence, and he has his hooks in.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:50 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Murphy hammers an outside low kick into Culibao’s calf now, before shooting for a double-leg takedown against the fence.
The buzzer interrupts the grappling exchange, and there’s a brief face-off between the fighters before the buzzer.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:48 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Murphy misses with a spinning back kick then stumbles, and Culibao pounces with a flurry of short punches. He then grabs Murphy against the fence, but the Briton reverses the position.
The pair separate and move into the open, where there’s a lot of feinting but not much throwing.
Eventually Culibao gets a stumble out of Murphy with a hard low kick. The featherweights clinch, and Murphy drives Culibao to the cage wall.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Murphy vs Culibao
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:42 , Alex Pattle
Next up is a lot of people’s pick for fight of the night: Britain’s Lerone Murphy vs Australia’s Josh Culibao at featherweight.
Murphy, 32, is unbeaten at 12-0-1, while 29-year-old Culibao is 11-1-1 as a pro.
UFC London 2023 LIVE
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:41 , Alex Pattle
The Britons are 2-3 so far tonight, with Ireland’s Shauna Bannon also losing.
Daniel Marcos def. Davey Grant via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Jonny Parsons def. Danny Roberts via second-round TKO (punches, 4:57)
Joel Alvarez def. Marc Diakiese via second-round submission (head-arm choke, 4:26)
Mick Parkin def. Jamal Pogues via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Chris Duncan def. Yanal Ashmouz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Bruna Brasil def. Shauna Bannon via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:37 , Alex Pattle
Daniel Marcos def. Davey Grant via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).
A close fight goes Marcos’s way! Indy Sport sees that as a fair result.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:34 , Alex Pattle
We’re heading to the judges’ scorecards.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:30 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Grant misses with a wheel kick then stabs a teep kick into the mid-section of Marcos.
Now the Briton grabs ahold of the Peruvian and holds him against the fence.
Soon Marcos gets free, and Grant gets back to some spinning attacks, attempting a back fist.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:27 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Brutal body kick from Marcos... but Grant claims it was illegal. There’s a pause in the action, but the replay seems to suggest that it was fine.
We’re back under way, and Grant continues to fight behind his kicks. Marcos is favouring punches up top, and Grant’s face is even bloodier now.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:24 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Grant goes southpaw briefly. He tries for a side kick to the head, but Marcos is just out of range.
Marcos strings together a couple of decent hooks upstairs. Grant misses with a spinning back kick.
Grant is bleeding around his nose now. Both fighters kick low.
A couple of solid right hooks just about get through for Grant.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:20 , Alex Pattle
That’s Round 1 in the books.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:19 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Both bantamweights stand orthodox. Grant kicks low. He backs up Marcos with gentle pressure.
Now a front kick to the body by Grant. Marcos kicks low in response. Grant just misses with a side kick to the body now.
Grant closes range by jumping in with a knee to the body.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 20:07 , Alex Pattle
Grant, 37 and fighting out of County Durham, is 13-6 as a pro.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Marcos is 14-0.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Grant vs Marcos
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:59 , Alex Pattle
Our final prelim fight of the night will see Davey Grant take on Daniel Marcos at bantamweight.
Grant will be the home favourite against the Lima native here.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Roberts vs Parsons
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:55 , Alex Pattle
Round 2 finishes with Roberts wandering around like a zombie. He’s out on his feet, and eventually he’s off his feet; he’s dropped with a brutal shot, and the fight is waved off!!!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Roberts vs Parsons
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:54 , Alex Pattle
We’ve now got welterweight action between Danny Roberts and Jonny Parsons.
Britain’s own Roberts was the much slicker striker in the first round, but he then started to get suckered into some sloppy exchanges.
He was winging shots with his chin hanging out, and that trend has continued into Round 2. Parsons has also gotten the better of the grappling exchanges so far in this second round.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Diakiese vs Alvarez
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:52 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Diakiese eventually stands before diving back down, and a scramble sees Alvarez end up in the Briton’s guard this time. He now takes the back and unloads some hammer fists and punches.
The fighters stand, and Alvarez shows off some crisp striking again. It seems like Diakiese was complaining that a body shot was too low, but the referee didn’t agree!
The fight hits the mat, and Alvarez is able to lock in a D’Arce choke… eventually forcing the tap!!
A sizeable Spanish presence makes itself heard at the O2, greeting that result with a great cheer.
Joel Alvarez def. Marc Diakiese via second-round submission (head-arm choke, 4:26).
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Diakiese vs Alvarez
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:32 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
This time it’s Diakiese who lands the takedown, early in Round 2. He has Alvarez on the mat and against the fence.
Alvarez is limiting Diakiese’s work in full guard. The Spaniard isolates Diakiese’s left arm but then gives it up, choosing instead to attempt some short elbows. He doesn’t have much space to execute them, though.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Diakiese vs Alvarez
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:27 , Alex Pattle
Lightweight action now! Britain’s Marc Diakiese vs Joel Alvarez of Spain.
Round 1
A wild first round, with some creative kicks from Diakiese, while Alvarez tries to keep things neat and tidy.
Lots of winging hooks from Diakese, and Alvarez lands a couple of his own.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Parkin vs Pogues
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:23 , Alex Pattle
Mick Parkin def. Jamal Pogues via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
A fair result! A successful UFC debut for Parkin, who is all smiles at the O2!
The crowd voices its love for the Sunderland man.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Parkin vs Pogues
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:15 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Decent left hook from Parkin, as a brief chant of, “Come on, Micky!” echoes behind us at cageside.
Harsh low kick from Parkin now, and Pogues smiles, but he might as well wince; that one clearly hurt, as his hobble shows.
Parkin continues to stalk Pogues and beat up the American’s lead leg. Now Pogues switches stances to protect it.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Parkin vs Pogues
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:11 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Parkin stalks Pogues for a while but is unable to land much of note. Pogues laughs and says something to him after the heavyweights trade punches.
Nice low kick and right overhand combination from Parkin. Pogues jabs to the body then eats an inside low kick.
A scrappy exchange now, but Parkin is really astute to dig in a low kick right afterwards, when Pogues is least expecting it.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Parkin vs Pogues
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:08 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Both men land leg kicks and hooks to the head, early in this second round. They then clinch and hit the fence, with Pogues working on a single-leg takedown.
Parkin is briefly able to create enough space to get off an elbow and a couple of punches, before getting free.
He kicks low, and Pogues flicks out a front kick to the body.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Parkin vs Pogues
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:05 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Pogues grapples Parkin and gets him to the fence, but he’s unable to keep the Briton there for long.
Both heavyweights trade straight punches in the open, before Parkin kicks low.
Two stinging jabs in a row from Pogues! Parkin smiles, but he’s caught again! Now he gets through with a jab of his own.
A hook is on point for Pogues, but Parkin then grabs the back of the American’s head and lands an uppercut in the dirty-boxing clinch.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Parkin vs Pogues
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:05 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Pogues grapples Parkin and gets him to the fence, but he’s unable to keep the Briton there for long.
Both heavyweights trade straight punches in the open, before Parkin kicks low.
Two stinging jabs in a row from Pogues! Parkin smiles, but he’s caught again! Now he gets through with a jab of his own.
A hook is on point for Pogues, but Parkin then grabs the back of the American’s head and lands an uppercut in the dirty-boxing clinch.
Saturday 22 July 2023 19:02 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Both men stand orthodox. Inside low kick from Parkin, who then beats Pogues to the punch with a crisp right cross.
Pogues with an outside leg kick now, then a one-two upstairs, which Parkin blocks. Pogues just about gets through the Briton’s guard with a pawing lead hook.
Parkin just misses with a right overhand. Nice cross to the body, though.
He kicks low then is tagged by a right straight from Pogues, which lands to the head.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Parkin vs Pogues
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:59 , Alex Pattle
Next up: Sunderland’s Mick Parkin makes his UFC debut against fellow heavyweight Jamal Pogues.
Parkin, a teammate of Tom Aspinall, is unbeaten at 6-0, while American Pogues is 10-3.
Lots of boos for Pogues, and a great reaction for Parkin.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Muradov vs Barberena
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:55 , Alex Pattle
Makhmud Muradov def. Bryan Barberena via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Back-to-back losses in London for Barberena, who showed great cardio and courage to continually stand after being taken down tonight, and to keep coming after Muradov.
The Tajikistani was just slicker in all departments, though.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Muradov vs Barberena
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:53 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Down goes Barberena again! He’s dropped by a short hook! To his credit, he’s able to jump right back up, but he eats a body kick for his trouble.
Barberena eats a right hook now, before shooting for a takedown. As Muradov sprawls, the fighters seem to clash heads! Both of them pause, kneel over, and hold their heads. Ouch.
Referee Marc Goddard officially halts the action, allowing a medic to check on the fighters. After a brief break, we’re back under way!
One minute to go. Barberena hunts down Muradov and unloads with hooks, but he’s taken down by a well-timed double-leg from Muradov.
Barberena scambles to his feet, then just about blocks a head kick. A wild striking exchange ensues, and that will be that! We’ll go to the scorecards.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Muradov vs Barberena
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:48 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Final round! Barberena needs a finish, but it won’t come easily...
He gets off to a good start, though, catching Muradov with a decent left hook upstairs.
Muradov times a heavy right cross over the top of a Barberena low kick, however, and the American hits the deck!
Muradov chases him to the mat, but Barberena pops back up. Muradov with a brutal hook to the body, as “Bam Bam” stands with his back to the fence.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Muradov vs Barberena
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:45 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
To his credit, Barberena continues to stalk Muradov, but the Tajikistani’s strikes are much slicker.
And now Muradov mixes in a well-timed takedown. As he has done a few times in this fight, Barberena works his way back to his feet, but this will be so tiring for him.
Muradov has him against the fence, and he has the American’s back. As the grappling exchange progresses, the middleweights hit the mat, where Muradov moves into Barberena’s guard.
Hang on, though... The action is paused after an accidental clash of heads. Referee Marc Goddard checks the fighters, then he puts them back in the position they were in.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Muradov vs Barberena
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:41 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Again Barberena tries to get on the front foot. He kicks low. Muradov feints with some level changes.
He catches Barberena on the end of a straight right, then just about lands a head kick.
Barberena then turns to evade a punch, but he’s tagged twice with his back to Muradov! Down goes the American!
He’s still got his wits about him, and he’s able to scramble back to his feet! He eats a massive right hook from Muradov...
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Muradov vs Barberena
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:38 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Barberena gets back to his feet and moves into space!
He hesitates when considering a hook, and Muradov lands one of his own! It connects flush.
Still, Barberena stalks his opponent, who then changes pace with an explosive takedown! Again Barberena is against the fence.
He’s able to get back to his feet and move into the open, just before the end of the round!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Muradov vs Barberena
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:36 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Barberena stands southpaw. He wings a hook but misses. Now he eats a hard body kick.
Another harsh kick from Muradov, who then closes range with a one-two into a double-leg.
He has Barberena against the fence, and he’s able to complete the takedown, but Barberena shows good spirit to get back to his feet.
He’s dragged back down, though, and Muradov has his back. Barberena twists onto his side, but before long he sees his back taken again.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Muradov vs Barberena
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:32 , Alex Pattle
Middleweight action next!
Makhmud Muradov goes up against Bryan Barberena.
Muradov, fighting out of Tajikistan, has a pro record of 25-8. Meanwhile, American Barberena is 18-10.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Vieira vs Kianzad
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:27 , Alex Pattle
Ketlen Vieira def. Pannie Kianzad via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Vieira vs Kianzad
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:25 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Great stuff from Kianzad! She manages to turn and get into Vieira’s guard.
She unloads punches to the body after a couple of shots to the head. She then stands, but only momentarily, before diving back into Vieira’s guard with more punches!
She needs a finish, and she knows it. Again she stands, and Vieira throws some up-kicks, but none of them land.
Back down comes Kianzad. She has one minute to work, but Vieira is pulling her in close, trying to limit the Swede’s striking output.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Vieira vs Kianzad
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:23 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Vieira with a takedown very early in Round 3, and the crowd boos.
Kianzad fires off a few elbows immediately. Vieira tucks her head and shuffles Kianzad back to the fence.
She takes the back and works on a rear naked choke...
Kianzad fights Vieira’s hands and even gets off a few punches, but she’s still in danger.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Vieira vs Kianzad
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:17 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
A one-two lands up top for Vieira, who misses with the subsequent hook attempt.
Vieira is able to get a single-leg takedown, and again she’s into half-guard. Kianzad bucks her hips and is able to get full guard with a few adjustments.
Vieira keeps working, and she’s able to mount and try for an arm-triangle choke...
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Vieira vs Kianzad
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:11 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Both fighters stand orthodox, flicking out jabs and crosses early on.
Vieira then steps in with an uppercut and hook, which are partially blocked. She’s closed the distance, though, and grabs Kianzad before dumping the Swede to the mat.
Vieira is soon into half-guard, looking to pass to side control.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Vieira vs Kianzad
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:05 , Alex Pattle
Next up: Ketlen Vieira vs Pannie Kianzad in a women’s bantamweight bout.
Brazilian Vieira is 13-3, while Sweden’s Kianzad is 16-6.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Duncan vs Ashmouz
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:03 , Alex Pattle
Chris Duncan def. Yanal Ashmouz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
A very impressive showing from Duncan! The Scot gets it done, handing Ashmouz a first professional loss.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Duncan vs Ashmouz
Saturday 22 July 2023 18:01 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Double-jab, right hand from Duncan. The combination lands flush, and so does his next right cross.
Another spinning back kick from Ashmouz, who does land to the body this time. Duncan knees his opponent to the body, as Ashmouz retreats to the cage.
Now Ashmouz covers up briefly, as Duncan lands a series of clean punches! Ashmouz manages to circle away, but Duncan then secures a takedown.
Ashmouz stands, and the buzzer sounds!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Duncan vs Ashmouz
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:58 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
The lightweights embrace at the start of this final round.
More spinning back kicks from Ashmouz. None of them have really landed tonight; he’s seemingly just draining himself with every one.
Duncan backs up the Israeli and unloads with a flurry of punches to the head and body. Nice step-in elbow! He’s picking his shots well.
Ashmouz’s face is really busted up now. He comes back with a hard overhand right, but Duncan blocks!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Duncan vs Ashmouz
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:55 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Duncan gets back on the front foot now. Both men have blood around their noses. This has become a really fun contest.
Duncan blocks a head kick, not for the first time tonight.
Ashmouz misses with a spinning back kick up top, and then he slips while throwing a jumping knee.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Duncan vs Ashmouz
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:53 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Duncan backs up Ashmouz and lands a jumping knee to the head! It’s partially blocked, though...
Now Duncan lands a harsh body kick. He’s done a good job at keeping Ashmouz pretty quiet so far.
Another knee from Duncan, with Ashmouz against the fence! Really tight striking defence from Duncan at the moment; his hands are high and he’s moving his head smoothly.
Ashmouz seems a little frustrated; he’s letting go with his hands more, but in quite a reckless manner.
He eats another knee. He’s chasing Duncan now.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Duncan vs Ashmouz
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:47 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
Ashmouz with a spinning back kick to, well, kick things off, but it’s off the mark.
Ashmouz throws a right hook to the body, but mainly as a set-up for a left hook up top! It lands, but he doesn’t get all of it. He also left himself wide open with those back-to-back hooks.
Duncan blocks a head kick, then kicks to the body. Ashmouz kicks low now. It seems that there was an accidental clash of heads somewhere in the last exchange.
Ashmouz eats a couple of hooks, and he just looks a little perturbed...
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Duncan vs Ashmouz
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:44 , Alex Pattle
Scottish lightweight Chris Duncan (10-1) is in action next, taking on Yanal Ashmouz (7-0).
Israel’s Ashmouz impressed at UFC 286 in London this March, knocking out Sam Patterson.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Bannon vs Brasil
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:40 , Alex Pattle
Bruna Brasil def. Shauna Bannon via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
An unsuccessful UFC debut for Bannon, whose karate output was largely inneffective against, Brasil, who mixed it up well throughout.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Bannon vs Brasil
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:37 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Conor McGregor reckons it’s one round apiece. The feeling at the O2 is that his countrywoman is two rounds down.
Bannon and Brasil trade simultaneous left hooks to the head. Another lands for Brasil. More side kicks from Bannon, but there’s just nothing behind them; Brasil doesn’t seem to be feeling them at all.
She staggers Brasil with a straight punch now, though! Brasil responds by getting back to her grappling, forcing Bannon to the fence and taking her down!
The Brazilian lands a couple of clean punches, just before the buzzer!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Bannon vs Brasil
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:34 , Alex Pattle
Round 3
Conor McGregor reckons it’s one round apiece. The feeling at the O2 is that his countrywoman is two rounds down.
Bannon and Brasil trade simultaneous left hooks to the head. Another lands for Brasil. More side kicks from Bannon, but there’s just nothing behind them; Brasil doesn’t seem to be feeling them at all.
She staggers Brasil with a straight punch now, though! Brasil responds by getting back to her grappling, forcing Bannon to the fence and taking her down!
The Brazilian lands a couple of clean punches, just before the buzzer!
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Bannon vs Brasil
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:28 , Alex Pattle
Round 2
Bannon just misses with a bold side kick to the head.
She closes distance now, and grapples Brasil against the fence. Each woman has an overhook and underhook. They trade positions back and forth, with both fighters throwing knees to the body.
Brasil establishes a bit of dominance here. She’s grinding her head against Bannon’s, trying to make life difficult for the Irishwoman.
Eventually they separate and move into the open. Bannon keeps throwing those side kicks, but she’s beaten to the punch, well... by a punch; Brasil’s jab is quicker to land than any of her opponent’s kicks.
Brasil sees a spinning back fist blocked, but she then lands an emphatic takedown! She’s straight into half-guard.
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Bannon vs Brasil
Saturday 22 July 2023 17:20 , Alex Pattle
Round 1
The strawweights stand orthodox.
Lots of bouncing from both women early on. Brasil with a hard front kick, though she slips slightly as she lands to the body.
Now Brasil steps in for a heavy right hand; she loads up, but she’s off the mark. Her next effort lands, though.
Bannon switches stances but refrains from throwing. She switches back and eats a CLEAN head kick!
She looks to get back on the front foot by chasing Brasil to the fence. The Brazilian circles away, then fires off a nice jab upstairs.
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