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UFC 280 press conference LIVE: Latest updates as Charles Oliveira and Sean O’Malley speak in London

Re-live updates after Oliveira and O’Malley previewed their huge upcoming fights with Islam Makhachev and Petr Yan respectively

Alex Pattle
O2 Arena, London
Friday 22 July 2022 12:30 EDT
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The first press conference for UFC 280 took place today, as Charles Oliveira and Sean O’Malley travelled to London to preview October’s seismic Abu Dhabi fight card.

In the main event of UFC 280 in three months’ time, Oliveira will fight Islam Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title, while O’Malley faces his biggest bantamweight test yet as he goes up against former champion Petr Yan. Elsewhere on the card, Belal Muhammad clashes with Sean Brady at welterweight, and Muhammad joined Oliveira and Makhachev at the O2 Arena today, moments before the ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC London – which takes place on Saturday.

Oliveira was stripped of the UFC lightweight title in May for missing weight, one day before his scheduled defence against Justin Gaethje. The Brazilian submitted Gaethje in the first round but was ineligible to win back the belt, instead establishing himself as No 1 contender. Meanwhile, O’Malley is one of the UFC’s most popular young fighters, and his incrementally tougher in-ring assignments have suddenly given way to a huge fight with ex-champ Yan. Oliveira vs Makhachev, O’Malley vs Yan, and Muhammad vs Brady were all announced this week, and three of those fighters previewed their upcoming bouts this afternoon. Re-live updates from the UFC 280 press conference, below.

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Lots of respect between Herbert and Nelson.

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 17:09

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Now here comes Kyle Nelson, the Canadian lightweight who will face Britain’s Jai Herbert tomorrow.

Some boos for Nelson, and then a BIG cheer for Herbert – the first Briton to take to the stage this afternoon!

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 17:08

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

An intense staredown between Bohm and Leonardo!

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 17:08

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Next up are Victoria Leonardo and Mandy Bohm!

A decent reception for both fighters.

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 17:07

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

First up we have Nicolas Dalby and Claudio Silva!

A good reaction for Dalby, a few boos for Silva...

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 17:05

UFC 280 press conference LIVE

We’re moments away from the start of the ceremonial weigh-ins.

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 16:57

UFC 280 press conference LIVE

That’s all from the UFC 280 press conference, but stick around on this page for live updates from the UFC London ceremonial weigh-ins, which will follow shortly!

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 16:46

UFC 280 press conference LIVE

Muhammad picks Aspinall to beat Blaydes.

O’Malley picks Blaydes.

Oliveira sits on the fence!

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 16:45

UFC 280 press conference LIVE

More than once today, Oliveira has mentioned fighting in January. He now clarifies that it will possibly be too soon after October *unless* that card is in Brazil; he would make an exception for a card in his home country.

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 16:44

UFC 280 press conference LIVE

O’Malley: “I’d love to put [Yan] face-first on the canvas. He’s a slow starter. I think I’m good going backwards, which not many fighters can do.”

Alex Pattle22 July 2022 16:38

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