The UFC is returning to the U.K on July 23 with one of the most fan-friendly cards of the year. While the event itself is not a PPV, it could certainly be one considering the talent that has been added and continues to add. Here are some of the big names that have been announced as of now:
Curtis Blaydes (16-3) vs Tom Aspinall (12-2)
Darren Till (18-4-1) vs Jack Hermansson (22-7)
Nikita Krylov (27-9) vs Alexander Gustafsson (18-7)
Paul Craig (16-4-1) vs Volkan Ozdemir (17-6)
Marc Diakiese (15-5) vs Damir Hadzovic (14-6)
Molly McCann (12-4) vs Hannah Goldy (6-2)
Paddy Pimblett (18-3) vs Jordan Leavitt (10-1)
Makwan Amirkhani (17-7) vs Jonathan Pearce (12-4)
In the main event, we will see rising contender and #6 ranked heavyweight Tom Aspinall defend his turf against #4 ranked Curtis Blaydes in a fight that has title contender implications. Both fighters are currently riding winning streaks and look like they could challenge Francis or for an interim belt depending on Franic’s contract situation.
Also on the card is the return of the “gorilla” Darren Till who takes on Jack Hermansson, this will be Till’s first fight since injuring his knee and is currently on a 2 fight losing skid.
We will also see the return of former LHW contender Alexander “the Mauler”, who has been away for 2 years and returns vs a ranked #11 Nikita who was submitted by Paul Craig in his last fight.
But the two fights that always bring the most attention and noise go to Paddy the Baddy Pimblett and Molly meatball McCann. The two fighters brought an energy to the last London card that it only makes sense to put them together once more.
Molly will face a very athletic fighter in Hannah Goldy who is back in the win column after snapping a 2 fight skid. Molly is coming off a highlight reel-spinning elbow KO and with another dominant or explosive finish, we could potentially see her crack into the rankings.
And last but certainly not least we have Paddy returning to put on another show, this time vs a very good fighter who is 10-1 with some very impressive performances, both fighters have very good ground games (Paddy 8 career submissions, Jordan 6). This fight is a sleeper in my opinion as not many fans know of Leavitt, but if you have seen any of his fights you know how unorthodox and skilled of a fighter Jordan is, this could easily be a FOTN candidate.
More fights will continue to be added and of course, shifted due to injuries or other circumstances. If all goes to plan this card promises to be one of the most exciting cards of the year with many prospects and stars in the mix.