UFC London Delivers Explosive Night of Fights: Aspinall Dominates Tybura, Craig’s Elbows Shine

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to London with a bang as UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura, also known as UFC Fight Night 224, delivered a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action on July 22, 2023, at The O2 Arena.

Aspinall Stakes His Claim for the Top

The main event featured a highly anticipated heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall and Marcin Tybura. Aspinall showcased his power and precision, securing a dominant victory in just 1 minute and 13 seconds of the first round. With a barrage of elbows and punches, he left Tybura dazed and forced the referee to halt the bout. Aspinall’s impressive performance solidifies his position as a rising star in the heavyweight division and puts him on the path to claim championship gold in the future.

Stoliarenko Stuns McCann with Armbar

In the co-main event, women’s flyweight Julija Stoliarenko displayed her ground prowess against Molly McCann. In a stunning upset, Stoliarenko secured a first-round submission victory with a textbook armbar, leaving McCann tapping out at 1 minute and 55 seconds. The victory not only propels Stoliarenko up the rankings but also shakes up the women’s flyweight landscape.

Craig’s Elbows Prove to Be a Game Changer

Paul Craig’s elbows made a significant impact in the middleweight bout against André Muniz. With precise and devastating strikes, Craig secured a TKO victory at 4 minutes and 40 seconds into the second round. His impressive ground-and-pound display earned him a well-deserved stoppage victory and solidified his position as a dangerous threat in the middleweight division.

Unanimous Decisions and Standout Performances

The main card also saw a trio of unanimous decision wins. In the featherweight division, Nathaniel Wood outlasted André Fili in a closely contested battle, earning all three judges’ favour. Farès Ziam showcased his striking and defensive skills, securing a unanimous decision victory against Jai Herbert. Featherweight contender Lerone Murphy dominated Joshua Culibao with a well-rounded performance, earning a decisive unanimous decision victory.

Bonuses: Parsons and Roberts Steal the Show

The fight between Jonny Parsons and Danny Roberts earned Fight of the Night honours. Both fighters left it all in the cage, delivering an action-packed clash that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Performance of the Night bonuses was awarded to two dominant fighters. Tom Aspinall’s explosive finish and Paul Craig’s lethal elbows earned them well-deserved recognition and an extra $50,000 in their pockets.

UFC London proved to be an unforgettable night of MMA action, with fighters leaving it all on the line. Aspinall’s ascent in the heavyweight division, Stoliarenko’s upset victory, and Craig’s elbow showcase were the highlights of an eventful night. Fans can’t wait to see what’s next for these talented athletes and what other surprises UFC has in store.

UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura Results

Main Card (ESPN+)

Heavyweight: Tom Aspinall def. Marcin Tybura via TKO (elbow and punches) in Round 1 at 1:13.
Women’s Flyweight: Julija Stoliarenko def. Molly McCann via Submission (armbar) in Round 1 at 1:55.
Featherweight: Nathaniel Wood def. Andre Fili via Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) after 3 rounds.
Middleweight: Paul Craig def. André Muniz via TKO (elbows) in Round 2 at 4:40.
Lightweight: Farès Ziam def. Jai Herbert via Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) after 3 rounds.
Featherweight: Lerone Murphy def. Joshua Culibao via Decision (unanimous) (30–26, 30–26, 30–27) after 3 rounds.
Bantamweight: Daniel Marcos def. Davey Grant via Decision (split) (28–29, 29–28, 29–28) after 3 rounds.

Preliminary Card (ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass)

Welterweight: Jonny Parsons def. Danny Roberts via TKO (punches) in Round 2 at 4:57.
Lightweight: Joel Álvarez def. Marc Diakiese via Submission (brabo choke) in Round 2 at 4:26.
Heavyweight: Mick Parkin def. Jamal Pogues via Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) after 3 rounds.
Middleweight: Makhmud Muradov def. Bryan Barberena via Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) after 3 rounds.
Women’s Bantamweight: Ketlen Vieira def. Pannie Kianzad via Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) after 3 rounds.
Lightweight: Chris Duncan def. Yanal Ashmouz via Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28) after 3 rounds.
Women’s Strawweight: Bruna Brasil def. Shauna Bannon via Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 30–27) after 3 rounds.
Flyweight: Jafel Filho def. Daniel Bárez via Submission (arm-triangle choke) in Round 1 at 3:26.

Bonus Awards