2. Image source, Getty Images
3. It wasn’t a great end to the night from a British perspective.
4. Not only did Leon Edwards fall to a second successive defeat – knocking his hopes of going back into a world title fight back a couple of steps – but we also saw Molly McCann announce her retirement.
5. McCann’s decision to hang up the gloves, albeit a tough one to take from a fan point of view, seems the right one after losing four of her last five trips to the octagon.
6. There was success to celebrate earlier on the card with Britons Christian Leroy Duncan, Lone’er Kavanagh, Nathaniel Wood and Chris Duncan all winning, while Irish pair Caolan Loughran and Shauna Bannon also picked up victories.
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4. Sad to see Molly retiring but probably the right decision. She always felt a slight step away from world level, but she gave absolutely everything and was a warrior in the ring. Hopefully, she’s retiring healthy and can have a great second career.
6. Brady beats Edwards by submission
7. Sam Harris
8. BBC Sport at the O2 Arena
9. That’s the question bumbling around the journalists we’re sat with right now.
10. He heads back to the locker room with a bunch of fans still cheering him. Not the night he and many here expected.
11. 
13. McCann retires after Thainara loss
14. We’ve dove into the archives and found our every own Sam Harris subjected himself to a training day with Molly McCann in 2019.
15. Poor decision.
16. Media caption,
17. Could you last three rounds with a UFC fighter?
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29. Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is booked in for his first defence on 10 May against Jack Della Maddalena.
30. Shavkat Rakhmonov, ranked number two, was initially scheduled to Muhammad but had to withdraw due to injury and will likely fight the winner of that title bout.
31. Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry is ranked number seven and could provide an interesting next opponent for Leon Edwards.
32. What next for Edwards? And what next for Sean Brady?
33. 
35. Brady beats Edwards by submission
36. That is the first time Edwards has suffered back-to-back defeats in his career and just the fifth loss in 28 fights overall.
37. Of his previous four defeats, three were by decision and one by disqualification.
38. Edwards had never been submitted before tonight.
39. Where does he go from here?
40. Image source, Reuters
42. Brady beats Edwards by submission
43. It wasn’t meant to be for Edwards tonight.
44. Image source, Getty Images
46. Brady beats Edwards by submission
47. Sean Brady speaking to TNT Sports: “I heard all week people saying I’m too small. I’m not small for welterweight, I was 190lb when they weighed me at the back. I’m just short and that’s alright.
48. “I took this fight the day I got out of the hospital with my wife and our newborn baby. I knew I could do that and I think I belong in the top three for sure.
49. “Dana [White] gave me a wonderful opportunity to come out here. I love the UK fans, sorry I had to do that to your boy but lots of respect.”
50. Image source, Getty Images
52. Brady beats Edwards by submission
53. Sam Harris
54. BBC Sport at the O2 Arena
55. Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an arena empty so quickly.
56. There were fans heading for the exits in round three, a few stuck around but they knew how this one was ending.
58. Brady beats Edwards by submission
59. Brady was a late addition to this card – agreeing to step in just a month ago to replace Jack Della Maddalena, who jumped off to accept a bout against UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad on 10 May.
60. That’s three successive wins for Brady after defeat against Muhammad in 2022.
61. He is on the climb.
63. Brady beats Edwards by submission
64. Michael Bisping
65. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
66. That was about as dominant as you can get.
68. Edwards v Brady
69. Brady gets the submission!
70. Elite grappling skills.
71. Image source, Getty Images
73. Edwards v Brady
74. It takes Brady around 45 seconds to secure a takedown and this is starting to feel reminiscent of Edwards’ defeat against Belal Muhammad in July.
75. Brady smothers Edwards as he gets full mount and locks in the guillotine.
76. This looks bad.
77. Image source, Getty Images
79. Edwards v Brady
80. “He’s broken,” was the message to Brady from his corner between rounds.
81. What has Edwards got in the tank? Can he turn this around?
82. Image source, Getty Images
84. Edwards v Brady
85. Michael Bisping
86. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
87. That was a terrible round for the former champion. It was a very dominant round for Sean Brady.
89. Edwards v Brady
90. Sam Harris
91. BBC Sport at the O2 Arena
92. The atmosphere has definitely got a lot more tense in here. Brady perhaps catching a few people by surprise with his performance so far.
94. Edwards v Brady
95. They end up on the cage with Brady on Edwards’ back and starting to unload with his hands.
96. Edwards’ corner claim the shots are to the back of the head but appear to be hitting the ear.
97. More boos as the buzzer signals the end of the round.
98. There’s an argument Edwards took the first round but I’ve got Brady winning all three so far.
100. Edwards v Brady
101. Michael Bisping
102. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
103. Sean Brady is just an absolute nightmare to be in there with.
105. Edwards v Brady
106. Edwards postures up but Brady just puts all his weight on him and it’s straight back to the canvas.
107. Brady sits in half guard and attempts to pass. Edwards turns and again starts to give up his back.
108. Brady is so smooth with his transitions and he dives in and sinks in the hooks. He flattens Edwards out on the floor for a moment as we enter the final minute.

Page 2

1. Edwards v Brady
2. Michael Bisping
3. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
4. Leon just gave him that takedown. I think he may have underestimated the takedown ability.
6. Edwards v Brady
7. Edwards shoots for the takedown and Brady defends well, dropping down to meet the Briton and attacking the neck.
8. Brady forces his hips forwards – he looks stronger than Edwards with a great wrestling base – and lands in full mount.
9. Edwards scrambles desperately and gives up his back.
11. Edwards v Brady
12. Brady is more patient this time with Edwards wary of his opponent charging in again.
13. Edwards catch Brady with an uppercut as he tries to enter.
14. Brady eats another shot – this time it’s a left hook.
15. Much better from Edwards.
17. Edwards v Brady
18. Brady stays on the kimura and starts to straighten out Edwards’ arm but the Briton shifts his weight to escape.
19. They are sat down right in the centre of the octagon and Edwards has no help from the cage to try and posture up.
20. Brady ends the round on top.
21. 20-18 Brady in my book.
22. Image source, Getty Images
24. Edwards v Brady
25. Michael Bisping
26. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
27. Leon is defending nicely, the arm is on the inside.
29. Edwards v Brady
30. Brady gets a bit sloppy and Edwards shakes him off the back. Brady remains in the dominant position with side control and he’s looking for a kimura.
31. The American still has a lot of time to work with a minute on the clock.
32. It’s survival mode for Edwards.
34. Edwards v Brady
35. Brady locks in the body triangle and we still have over three minutes to go.
36. This is not looking good for Edwards. He needs to hang on in there.
37. Brady is warned for elbows to the back of the head so starts to attack the body with his hands.
39. Edwards v Brady
40. Brady comes out the traps quickly and shoots for the takedown immediately. Edwards didn’t seem ready but the round had started.
41. Edwards initially scrambles to fight back to the fight but Brady manages to overpower him and takes the back.
42. It’s anaconda like with Edwards wrapped up in a body lock and Brady going to work with his hands.
44. Edwards v Brady
45. Brady is known for his grappling but is yet to shoot. Maybe he is just sizing Edwards up in this opening round?
46. The first boos ring around the O2 Arena as Brady pins Edwards to the cage but the former champion finds an exit and they go back to the middle in the clinch.
47. Brady secures a takedown. It looked like a trip – very nicely executed – and Edwards ends the round on his back.
48. I’m leaning towards Brady for that opening round.
49. Image source, Getty Images
51. Edwards v Brady
52. Michael Bisping
53. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
54. Leon Edwards looks fast tonight.
56. Edwards v Brady
57. They meet in the middle and clinch. Both try and work on the inside but neither get much joy.
58. Brady lands a stinging one-two as they part.
59. Another clinch and Brady digs in to the body. Edwards catches a kick as they break.
61. Edwards v Brady
62. Michael Bisping
63. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
64. To be matched up with Sean Brady on relatively short notice is just a nightmare. You’re fighting one of the best grapplers in the UFC.
66. Edwards v Brady
67. Edwards has the reach advantage and uses it well from the outset, catching Brady with a left hook as the American races in.
68. That trusty left head kick is dispatched early by Edwards but Brady sees it and blocks.
70. Edwards v Brady
71. 
73. Edwards v Brady
74. Sam Harris
75. BBC Sport at the O2 Arena
76. Leon makes his way to the octagon and the O2 has gone mad. He walks out to Dexta Daps with fans packed to the barriers for a high five.
77. Nothing but adoration for him in London!
79. Edwards v Brady
80. Announcer Bruce Buffer is always exquisitely styled and tonight is no exception.
81. “It’s timeeeeeeeee!”, Buffer shouts.
82. We’re almost ready to go.
83. No touch of gloves. This could be tasty.
84. Image source, Getty Images
86. Edwards v Brady
87. 
90. Paul Battison
91. BBC Sport journalist at the O2 Arena
92. Leon Edwards promised the fans a knockout this week against Sean Brady after his title defeat by Belal Muhammad in July.
93. He looks like he means business tonight with that brisk jog towards the octagon during his walkout.
94. Will he follow through on his promise?
96. Edwards v Brady
97. Michael Bisping
98. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
99. It’s just business as usual for Leon. He knows how to defeat this type of fighter. The mindset has changed. He’s hungry, he’s angry.
101. Edwards v Brady
102. Leon Edwards goes full Michael Bisping as he emerges into the arena and breaks into a sprint.
103. Edwards, accompanied by his brother Fabian who competes in the PFL, looks focused and raring to go.
104. The former welterweight champion said he owes the UK fans a performance after a disappointing showing when losing the belt last time out against Belal Muhammad.

Page 3

2. Paul Battison
3. BBC Sport journalist at the O2 Arena
4. Leon Edwards has cut a much more relaxed figure during fight week compared to the build-up to his welterweight title defeat by Belal Muhammad in July.
5. Edwards appeared irritated at times eight months ago, perhaps due to the intense rivalry with Muhammad and his sleep schedule being flipped due to the 05:30 GMT fight start time.
6. This week he’s been laughing and joking around with journalists while admitting he feels less pressure facing Sean Brady after having his 12-fight win streak broken.
9. You’ve got to be pretty bold to interrupt former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards…
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18. Edwards v Brady
19. Image source, Getty Images
20. Prior to losing against Belal Muhammad, Leon Edwards was riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak – winning 12 with one ending as a no contest.
21. Georges St-Pierre is regarded as the greatest welterweight to ever feature in the UFC, enjoying two stints as champion with his second reign running from 2008 to 2013 with nine successful defences.
22. Edwards believes the loss to Muhammad has helped to take “a bit of pressure off”.
23. “I went almost 10 years without losing a fight – now I just go out there and not worry about beating any records,” Edwards told BBC Sport.
24. “I was chasing GSP’s record, but now I feel content with myself – I’m a seasoned veteran and I can go out there and perform and show the world the best version of me.”
25. 
27. Edwards v Brady
28. Sean Brady, as the lower ranked fighter in this main event, is the first to walk.
29. The American is on enemy territory tonight but he seems to be taking it in his stride.
30. Brady looks calm and composed as he attempts to pick up the biggest win of his career against former welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
31. Image source, Getty Images
33. Edwards v Brady
34. 
36. Edwards v Brady
37. Image source, Getty Images
38. American Sean Brady has emerged as one of the top contenders in the welterweight division over the past six years – winning seven of his eight fights with the promotion to rise to number five in the rankings.
39. Brady’s only defeat across an 18-fight career came against current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in 2022.
40. The 32-year-old bounced back from that defeat with wins over former middleweight title contender Kelvin Gastelum and Gilbert Burns to earn a bout with Leon Edwards.
41. Brady has three wins by knockout with five via submission and nine by decision.
42. He has only competed outside of the USA on one occasion – fighting in Abu Dhabi when he suffered his solitary defeat.
43. 
45. Edwards v Brady
46. Leon Edwards is always up for a bit of social content so BBC Sport grabbed him this week to a UK v USA.
47. Opting for a Texas BBQ over a Sunday roast is a shocker.
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57. Right, full steam ahead to the main event?
59. Ulberg beats Blachowicz by unanimous decision
60. Carlos Ulberg speaking to TNT Sports: “Very tough opponent. Jan is a veteran. He’s almost on his way out but he’s here to prove a point.
61. “The longest win streak in the light-heavyweight division. The only thing that matters for me is a title shot.
62. “Stick and move. He’s got a good grappling game so I wanted to stick on my feet. Bang and move.”
64. Ulberg beats Blachowicz by unanimous decision
65. Magomed Ankalaev only won the light-heavyweight title two weeks ago when he beat Alex Pereira.
66. Give me the man a moment to sit back and enjoy his champion status Carlos!
68. Ulberg beats Blachowicz by unanimous decision
69. Carlos Ulberg will be moving up the light-heavyweight rankings after seeing off veteran Jan Blachowicz via unanimous decision.
70. All three judges scored it 29-28 in the New Zealander’s favour.
71. Ulberg is now on an eight-fight win streak and believes he has done enough to earn a shot at light-heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev.
72. Image source, Getty Images
75. Sam Harris
76. BBC Sport at O2 Arena
77. From the sounds of it, we won’t be hearing from Molly McCann tonight in a news conference…
78. We’ve just ventured back to the media room where they happen and had word that, alongside Paddy Pimblett, she’s made her way out of the O2.
80. Blachowicz v Ulberg
81. Michael Bisping
82. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
83. At some point, you have to commit. The stakes are very high for both men.
85. Blachowicz v Ulberg
86. 
87. More of the same between Jan Blachowicz and Carlos Ulberg as round two comes to a close.
88. Blachowicz does have 18 victories inside the distance though.
89. We still have hope!
91. Blachowicz v Ulberg
92. Michael Bisping
93. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
94. These two have a lot of respect for each other but someone’s got to go for it at some point.
95. Image source, Getty Images
97. Blachowicz v Ulberg
98. A pretty uneventful opening five minutes in the co-main event.
99. Jan Blachowicz has landed a few stinging calf kicks but that’s pretty much all the action we’ve been treated too.
101. McCann retires after Thainara loss
102. UFC strawweight fighter Diana Belbita on X: “What the hell Molly?! Why? Get your gloves back…”
103. Journalist Peter Carroll on X: “What a ride it’s been for Molly McCann. Going out on her own terms, has done a great job of investing money in businesses that will serve her well beyond the fight game. Always appreciated the time she gave me. She left a huge mark on a sport that chews up and spits out so many.”
104. MMA broadcaster Aaron Bronsteter on X: “Molly McCann announces her retirement. Whenever we spoke, she was always professional, upbeat and honest. She became an unlikely star in MMA and it was great to see it happen to a good person like her. She will be a great ambassador for the sport.”
107. Paul Battison
108. BBC Sport journalist at the O2 Arena
109. There is a lot of support for Poland’s Jan Blachowicz at the O2 Arena today, with pockets of fans very vocal in support of the former light-heavyweight champion.
110. Always one of the more popular fighters on the roster.
112. Blachowicz v Ulberg
113. Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill on X: “Locked in for this one.”
114. Former two-weight UFC champion Henry Cejudo on X: “I think Blachowicz uses his calf kicks and wrestling to pull out this victory.”
116. McCann retires after Thainara loss
117. The unstoppable Meatball!

• 22 fights, 14 wins
• 6 knockout wins including two spinning back elbow finishes
• Finish rate of 50%
• Three performance of the night bonuses in 14 UFC fights
• Most bonuses (3) in flyweight history
• Never stopped in MMA career
• 8 losses came via submission (4) and points (4)

1. Image source, Getty Images

Page 4

1. Blachowicz v Ulberg
2. UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns on X: “Polish power? Or Ulberg step up as a new contender?”
4. Blachowicz v Ulberg
5. 
7. Edwards v Brady
8. 
9. There is still time to have your say on who wins tonight’s main event.
10. Click here and you cast your vote.
12. Blachowicz v Ulberg
13. Image source, Getty Images
14. Carlos Ulberg is starting to make waves in the UFC, having won his last seven fights to rise to number six in the light-heavyweight division, but his life could have ended up on a very different path.
15. New Zealand’s Ulberg has a background in modelling and appeared on reality TV show ‘Game of Bros’ in 2018.
16. He has also twice turned down the opportunity to be on New Zealand’s version of ‘the Bachelor’ – a series that follows a single bachelor who is given a list of romantic interests from which he must choose a fiancee.
17. Instead, Ulberg opted to get in a cage and fight for his living.
18. Image source, Getty Images
20. Blachowicz v Ulberg
21. Image source, Getty Images
22. Jan Blachowicz returns from a 20-month hiatus to face New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg in a light-heavyweight contest next.
23. Poland’s Blachowicz last fought when in July 2023 when he lost against Alex Pereira at UFC 291.
24. The 42-year-old has since undergone double shoulder surgery and battled through a difficult rehabilitation period.
25. Many athletes in their twilight of their career like Blachowicz would likely have considered retirement, but the former light-heavyweight champion was keen to get back to what he loves.
26. “I miss the feelings that happen in fight week, the emotions,” Blachowicz said.
27. “I like fighting. I don’t have to do it, I can stop right now because I have a lot of things I could do. But I want to do it – I love to do it.”
30. BBC Sport’s Paul Battison is at the O2 Arena tonight and he’s been tapping away on his laptop following Molly McCann’s defeat and subsequent decision to retire.

• Read the full report here

3. Right, that’s 11 fights down and just two left to go.
4. It’s the co-main event up next with light-heavyweight rivals Jan Blachowicz facing Carlos Ulberg and then we’re on to Leon Edwards v Sean Brady.
6. Holland beats Nelson by unanimous decision
7. Kevin Holland gets the win and he sure needed that after losing four of his last five.
8. That was a fun fight – it always is when Holland is involved.
9. Great to see some respect between the pair in the aftermath.
11. McCann retires after Thainara loss
12. Molly McCann’s time in the UFC is over but what a ride it’s been! Time to take a look at some highlights from the Meatball’s career…
13. First up is McCann’s first win. It came in her second contest with a unanimous decision victory over Priscila Cachoeira in March 2019.
14. Image source, Getty Images
15. Up next is the first of two performance of the night bonuses on the trot.
16. McCann beat Luana Carolina in March 2022 after a stunning spinning back elbow in round three.
17. A £50,000 bonus secured!
18. Image source, Getty Images
19. Four months later came another performance of the night and another £50,000 for McCann.
20. This time she knocked out Hannah Goldy in the first round with another spinning back elbow.
21. The £100,000 elbow!
23. Nelson v Holland
24. UFC welterweight Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson on X: “I think Gunni needs a finish! Kevin looks serious out there.”
25. Former two-weight UFC champion Henry Cejudo on X: “20-18 Holland. Don’t see this one making it to the scorecards.”
27. Nelson v Holland
28. Gunnar Nelson just about hangs on and is saved by the buzzer at the end of round one following a clean right and some ground and pound from Kevin Holland.
29. Earlier in the round it was Holland hanging on – quite literally – as the American attempted a flying omoplata submission.
30. Nelson initially looked concerned before realising he wasn’t in too much danger.
31. Image source, Getty Images
32. Image source, Getty Images
34. McCann retires after Thainara loss
35. Molly McCann is an icon.
36. Image source, Getty Images
37. Image source, Getty Images
38. Image source, Getty Images
39. Image source, Getty Images
41. Edwards v Brady
42. Leon Edwards’ victory over Kamaru Usman to win the welterweight title in 2022 has already gone done in UFC folklore.
43. Behind on the scorecards and with just a minute remaining of the final round, Edwards landed a kick cleanly on the chin of Usman to record a knockout win against the odds.
44. Edwards spent some time with BBC Sport back in 2023 to watch back that fight and react to how it all unfolded.
47. Plenty more reaction to come following Molly McCann’s decision to retire.
48. But the show must go on.
49. Kevin Holland and Gunnar Nelson are next up in a welterweight contest.
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61. We have to keep the Molly McCann content coming now!
62. This was already in the locker but now seems the perfect time to send it your way.
63. McCann and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinal team up to pick their ‘ultimate fighter’.
64. Enjoy as Aspinall and McCann team up to pick their ‘ultimate fighter’.
66. Thainara beats McCann by submission
67. Molly McCann speaking to TNT Sports: “UFC and Dana [White], I started this sport at 24 and I have given you all my heart and soul. Tonight, with that performance on a week’s notice, it’s not good enough. The UFC deserves more.
68. “From a little girl from Norris Green fighting in arenas, look at me, look at what I’ve managed to do. Dana if you ever need an ambassador to fly around Europe, I can chat anyone up.”
70. Thainara beats McCann by submission
71. Molly McCann picks up her gloves, kisses them, raises them to the air and the places them down in the centre of the octagon.
72. With four defeats from her last five fights it seems like the right call but we won’t forget the incredible moments McCann has delivered.
73. Back-to-back spinning elbow knockout victories anyone?
75. Thainara beats McCann by submission
76. Alexia Thainara speaking to TNT Sports: “The UFC has the best matchmakers. They called me, and I came and delivered.
77. “She said I had bad breath but I smell really good.”
78. Image source, Getty Images
80. Thainara beats McCann by submission
81. Molly McCann is now on the mic. We don’t normally hear from a losing fighter so I think we know where this is going.
82. “I deserve more and you deserve more,” McCann says.
83. McCann calls time on her UFC career.
84. Team-mate Paddy Pimblett is watching on from octagon-side and I think I can see a tear.
85. Image source, Reuters

Page 5

1. Thainara beats McCann by submission
2. We’re hearing from Alexia Thainara now and, having won on her UFC debut, she is on top of the world.
3. Full quotes to come.
6. Paul Battison
7. BBC Sport journalist at the O2 Arena
8. Molly McCann has taken her gloves off following defeat which usually means a fighter is about to announce their retirement…
10. Thainara beats McCann by submission
11. Michael Bisping
12. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
13. That is impressive coming in on a week’s notice and making it look easy against Molly McCann. She finished the job in style.
15. Thainara beats McCann by submission
16. There were 28 seconds left on the clock when McCann tapped.
17. Hugely frustrating from McCann as she suffers a second successive defeat and her fourth loss in five fights.
18. Image source, PA Media
20. McCann v Thainara
21. McCann fights the hand and gets out of trouble for a moment.
22. Thainara attacks again and McCann taps!
24. McCann v Thainara
25. McCann escapes but Thainara is with her every step of the way again and scrambles to take the back,.
26. McCann’s neck is in serious danger.
27. Just under a minute to hang on.
29. McCann v Thainara
30. McCann has Thainara in full guard and starts to land some nasty elbows to the top of the head.
31. There looks to be some blood coming from Thainara’s forehead.
32. Thainara postures up and McCann tries to escape but a good recover and downward pressure from the Brazilian takes it back to where they started.
34. McCann v Thainara
35. McCann bobs up and down, keeping Thainara on his toes and guessing as to whether she is going to shoot for a takedown.
36. McCann closes the range and lands with a right.
37. Thainara is happy to take this down to the canvas and gets McCann on her back with a really neat trip.
39. McCann v Thainara
40. Michael Bisping
41. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
42. Molly shows up every time and fights her heart out every single time. She gives it 100%.
44. McCann v Thainara
45. Molly McCann is pacing from side to side in the octagon as her credentials are read out.
46. She looks pumped. Too pumped?
47. We’ll soon find out.
48. Off we go.
49. Image source, Getty Images
51. McCann v Thainara
52. Image source, Getty Images
54. McCann v Thainara
55. Michael Bisping
56. Former UFC middleweight champion on TNT Sports
57. On paper, this could be a much tougher fight for Molly McCann than her original opponent.
59. McCann v Thainara
60. No sign of Molly McCann dancing. She is deadly serious.
61. McCann screams “come on!” as she marches to the side of the octagon.
62. The Liverpudlian slaps her chest and raises her fist in the air as she goes through he final preparations.
64. McCann v Thainara
65. Molly McCann is looking to rediscover some form after losing three of her last four fights and continues her journey at strawweight against Alexia Thainara tonight.
66. The Liverpudlian spoke to BBC Sport about how MMA gave her the courage to be herself.
69. Paul Battison
70. BBC Sport journalist at the O2 Arena
71. Alexia Thainara with one of the most impressive dance routines I’ve seen during a UFC walkout.
72. I’d be gassed before the fight even begins if that was me.
73. Image source, Getty Images
75. McCann v Thainara
76. Alexia Thainara is first to walk to the cage and she is loving every second of it. She only the fight last Friday after Molly McCann’s original opponent pulled out.
77. The Brazilian is dancing her way down the ramp.
78. That’s one way to try and get the fans on side… unfortunately McCann is a fan favourite.
80. McCann v Thainara
81. Image source, Getty Images
82. Image source, Getty Images
83. You can always count on Molly McCann to raise the roof and she did her best to entertain during a pretty dull ceremonial weigh-in on Friday.
84. There was little of note as most fighters took to the scales and faced off but there was a bit of spice between McCann and Alexia Thainara.
85. McCann was a little calmer than some of her previous stare downs but there was a cold glare in the direction of the Brazilian.
86. Thainara attempted to goad the Liverpudlian by raising her arms with a cheer and McCann responded by waving her hand in front of her nose to suggest her opponent had bad breath, before the pair exchanged words.
89. Terrance McKinney on X: “Let’s get it, congrats on the win.”
91. Duncan beats Vucenic by submission
92. Chris Duncan speaking to TNT Sports: “My striking coach Thiago Alves, a legend of the sport. American Top Team, the best gym in the world. I want Terrance McKinney in Miami. Get your gloves on, you’re getting sparked, mate.
93. “Dana White you changed my life last time, please change it again. Look at that performance. I am the man.”
94. Image source, Getty Images
96. Get in touch using #bbcmma on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply).
97. Clear this one up for us.
98. Is that a bear on the back of Morgan Charriere?
99. I’m being told otherwise here in the office – “some sort of big cat” is the suggestion being thrown my way.
100. “Is it a gorilla?”, is the other shout.
101. I’m standing firm on that being a bear in a top hat.
102. Get in touch using #bbcmma on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply).

Page 6

2. Image source, Getty Images
3. A bear wearing a top hat?
4. Morgan Charriere is surely a contender for best tattoo in the UFC.
7. Sean Brady brings a lot of skill to the octagon but it’s sometimes hard to focus on his martial arts as you become absorbed by the artwork covering his body and trying to pick apart the imagery.
8. Brady has almost a full body suit and the piece on his back is particularly impressive.
9. Can anyone in the UFC compete on the tattoo front?!
10. Image source, Getty Images
11. Image source, Getty Images
13. Duncan beats Vucenic by submission
14. Our all-British main card fight is over.
15. Jordan Vucenic shoots for a takedown but Chris Duncan sinks in a guillotine and gets the win.
16. Duncan moves to 13-2 while it’s back-to-back losses for Vucenic in the UFC.
19. Sam Harris
20. BBC Sport reporter at the O2 Arena
21. Paul mentioned Jose Mourinho earlier and he isn’t the only famous football face in the house.
22. I’ve spotted Tottenham forward Richarlison and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana down by the cage.
24. Edwards v Brady
25. Image source, Getty Images
26. Leon Edwards has just one victory inside the distance on his record from his last nine trips to the octagon and it was a pretty memorable one when he stopped Kamaru Usman to win the welterweight title.
27. Of Edwards’ 27 professional contests, he has won seven by knockout and three by submission with the rest of his 22 wins coming via decision.
28. The Birmingham-based fighter may not have been ended fights early in recent times but he has been delivering in terms of overall performance, losing just once since 2015, however, that defeat came last time out when he lost his title to Belal Muhammad.
29. Edwards could be back in the mix for a title shot if he gets back to winning ways against Sean Brady tonight and he wants to get that done in style.
30. “I’m going out for the finish. I feel like I owe the fans after my last performance in the UK,” Edwards told BBC Sport.
33. The UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is enjoying tonight’s action at the O2 Arena.
34. Image source, Getty Images
36. Vucenic v Duncan
37. 
39. Vucenic v Duncan
40. Chris Duncan has just made his walk to the octagon to face England’s Jordan Vucenic.
41. Vucenic lost on his UFC debut in August.
42. He doesn’t seem to be letting that defeat weigh on his shoulders as he paces around the octagon and takes in the O2 Arena with a smile on his face.
44. Vucenic v Duncan
45. Image source, Getty Images
46. Scotland’s Chris Duncan has lofty ambitions as he looks to make his mark on the lightweight division.
47. Duncan has 12 wins and two defeats on his record with three of those victories coming under the UFC banner.
48. The 31-year-old aims to add to his growing reputation against England’s Jordan Vucenic in the next fight on this card.
49. “My next goal and dream will be to start hitting that top 15, top 10,” Duncan told BBC Scotland.
50. “That is where the all-time greats have been in the mix and I class myself as one of them.
51. “I train at the best gym, American Top Team, I train with the best guys in the world, I think five of them are in the top 15 in that gym, so I know how good I am and they know how good I am, so that is the next goal for me.”
54. get involved#bbcmma, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
55. Let’s get your predictions tonight’s main card.
56. Will Molly McCann and Leon Edwards both get back in the win column?
57. How will Jan Blachowicz fare on his return from a 20-month absence?
58. Iceland’s Gunnar Nelson is no stranger to fighting in England – this will be his 12th appearance on a UK card – will that stand him in good stead against Kevin Holland?
59. Get in touch using #bbcmma on X, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply).
62. Paul Battison
63. BBC Sport journalist at the O2 Arena
64. A huge cheer from the crowd out of nowhere usually signals someone popular is being shown on the big screens and sure enough, I looked up to see Jose Mourinho smiling at octagon-side.
65. The Portuguese is the current manager of Turkish side Fenerbahce, but is making the most of the international break with a trip to London to watch the UFC.
66. The big screens are now showing Leon Edwards and Sean Brady arriving at the arena before the pair’s main event later.
67. Image source, Getty Images
70. Sam Harris
71. BBC Sport reporter at the O2 Arena
72. UFC president Dana White was mobbed by fans on his way to the octagon. Pretty sure the lad in the photo was taking his opportunity to pitch why he should be signed…
73. You don’t ask you don’t get to be fair.
74. 
77. Here’s how the rest of your main card looks:

• Jordan Vucenic v Chris Duncan (lightweight – 3x5min rounds)
• Molly McCann v Alexia Thainara (strawweight)
• Gunnar Nelson v Kevin Holland (welterweight)
• Jan Blachowicz v Carlos Ulberg (light-heavyweight)
• Leon Edwards v Sean Brady (welterweight – 5x5min rounds)

2. Wood beats Charriere by unanimous decision
3. Nathaniel ‘the Prospect’ Wood speaking to TNT Sports: “I want to say that was for my daughter, she’s a proper fighter and I’m just a play fighter. Anyone suffering from mental health, you’re stronger than you believed and you’ll come out the other side.
4. “I have a new nickname coming so stay tuned. Keep ticking away. It’s down to Dana White, I’ll fight anyone. I want exciting fights.”
6. Wood beats Charriere by unanimous decision
7. A great start to the main card from a British perspective as Nathaniel Wood gets the win over France’s Morgan Charriere.
8. That makes it two wins on the bounce for Wood and five wins from his last six fights.
9. Image source, Getty Images
12. Image source, Getty Images
13. We mentioned Pujar Tomar a little earlier. Her story is remarkable. The loss is unlikely to keep her down for long.
14. Tomar spent time with BBC Sport’s Paul Battison earlier this week to talk about her childhood and growing up in India.
15. The 31-year-old revealed her parents did not want her initially because she was a girl.
16. That start in life helped to forge her extraordinary resilience and character, her career, and everything she stands for today.
17. “My family and this society doesn’t allow girls, they like only boys,” Tomar tells BBC Sport.
18. “Before I was born, they wanted a boy. Even when I was a newborn, my mum told me my father didn’t want a third girl.”
19. Tomar was born in a small village called Budhana in Uttar Pradesh, a state in northern India.
20. Historically, Indian families wanting boys over girls is common, particularly among poor communities, leading to a skewed sex ratio in favour of men.
21. There have been instances where unwanted baby girls have been buried alive and left to die in clay pots in the country.
22. The reasoning is rooted in widely held cultural beliefs that a male child would carry the family name, look after the parents in their old age, and perform the rituals on their death – while daughters would cost them dowries and leave them for their matrimonial homes.

• Read Pujar Tomar’s full story here

2. Edwards v Brady
3. Leon Edwards is the first Jamaican-born fighter to win a UFC title and only the second to achieve that feat as a Briton.
4. In 2022, Edwards, who moved to Birmingham from Kingston aged nine, told BBC Sport how both countries have shaped him as a fighter.
6. Kavanagh beats Dos Santos by unanimous decision
7. Backflip or having a lie down?
8. Image source, Getty Images
10. Kavanagh beats Dos Santos by unanimous decision
11. Who said UFC was easy?!
12. Image source, Getty Images
15. We’ve been watching this card unfold since early evening, so let’s get you up to speed.
16. It has been a good night for Ireland with Caolan Loughran beating England’s Nathan Fletcher by split decision and Shauna Bannon picking up a submission victory over Puja Tomar.
17. English duo Christian Leroy Duncan and Lone’er Kavanagh earned unanimous decision victories against Andrey Pulyaev and Felipe dos Santos respectively.
18. But heavyweight Mick Parkin, who hails from Sunderland, suffered the first loss of his career against Marcin Tybura, while Birmingham’s Jai Herbert lost against Chris Padilla.
19. Performance of the night so far definitely goes to Bannon. She was sent crashing to the canvas by a huge head kick but recovered to sink an armbar.
20. You can see below, it was a huge shot to the head.
21. Image source, Getty Images
22. Image source, Getty Images

Page 7

2. Sam Harris
3. BBC Sport reporter at the O2 Arena
4. The big names are in position!
5. A huge roar for Paddy Pimblett and Tom Aspinall as they take to the floor. WWE star Drew McIntyre’s sitting just behind them.
6. Paddy has just got up and spotted a queue of what looks to be 40 odd people asking for a photo – a busy start to his night!
7. Image source, Getty Images
9. Wood v Charriere
10. 
12. Wood v Charriere
13. The main card is getting under way with England’s Nathaniel Wood in action against France’s Morgan Charriere.
14. We’ll continue building up to the rest of the card but will let you know if anything major happens.
17. Paul Battison
18. BBC Sport journalist at the O2 Arena
19. Britain’s interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is here tonight in a fancy blue suit enjoying the action.
20. He was on his feet earlier cheering on fellow heavyweight and training partner Mick Parkin, who suffered the first defeat of his career to Poland’s Marcin Tybura.
21. Aspinall doesn’t have a fight booked at the moment as we wait for that elusive undisputed title fight with Jon Jones to be booked…
24. You can normally rely on these UFC events to run pretty smoothly, so we’re expecting Molly McCann to face Alexia Thainara at around 21:00 and the main event between Leon Edwards and Sean Brady is likely to get going at 22:30.
27. Image source, Getty Images
28. Good evening!
29. How is everyone doing?
30. Niceties out the way… we’ve got a cracking UFC London card already well under way with former welterweight champion Leon Edwards set to close out the card against Sean Brady.
31. Liverpool’s Molly McCann is in action against Alexia Thainara shortly too.
32. We’ve got build up to both of those bouts and a couple of others, plus we’ll get you caught up on what has already happened tonight.