UFC London 2022 LIVE results: Paddy Pimblett and Tom Aspinall secure statement wins
Re-live round-by-round updates from a monumental night for UK MMA
There must have been something in the air at the O2 Arena on Saturday night, where UFC London marked perhaps the most significant night in the history of UK mixed martial arts. Of the 12 bouts scheduled for the first edition of the event since 2019, 10 featured British fighters. Seven of those combatants were victorious in the English capital, with six winning via stoppage. Five of those finishes came in the first round, while the other was an early contender for knockout of the year.
In the main event on Saturday, Wigan heavyweight Tom Aspinall made a mockery of Alexander Volkov’s vast advantages in experience and height, submitting the Russian with a straight arm lock in the first round after exhibiting sharp skills in striking exchanges, too. Aspinall’s victory followed a co-main event that many had predicted would be fight of the night, and indeed the featherweight clash between Arnold Allen and Dan Hooker delivered in the brief period that it lasted. After a chaotic opening few phases, Ipswich fighter Allen announced himself to the world by securing a TKO victory over fan favourite Dan Hooker in the first round, forcing the referee to step in by melting the New Zealander with a fierce flurry of punches against the fence.
Allen’s win followed the people’s main event, which saw rising star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett bewitch those present at the O2 Arena. After the 27-year-old’s captivating walkout, the atmosphere felt like that of a title fight. The Liverpudlian lightweight was knocked down by Rodrigo Vargas almost immediately, but he rallied to take down the Mexican and submit him with a rear naked choke later in the first round. Earlier in the night, Pimblett’s friend Molly McCann produced a knockout of the year contender with a spinning back elbow finish of Luana Carolina.
Re-live updates from the UFC London prelims and main card, below.
UFC London 2022 LIVE
McCann vs Carolina – Round 2
McCann can’t advance her position so decides to stand. She throws kicks to the legs of her downed opponent, who tries for some up-kicks.
The referee soon allows Carolina to stand, and the women are back to grappling against the fence.
Nice elbow in the clinch by Carolina, then the flyweights separate. They clinch again and Carolina lands some more decent elbows.
McCann grabs Carolina, lifts her up and backdrops her!
UFC London 2022 LIVE
McCann vs Carolina – Round 2
McCann blocks a head kick. Carolina grabs her in close but is pushed back against the cage wall by the stronger McCann.
Decent body kick from Carolina after the pair separate. Now a nice knee up top! McCann has slowed down somewhat.
But she finds a second wind and takes down her opponent against the fence!
McCann is in side control, looking to transition into either guard or north-south position. She can’t secure either, so instead throws a harsh knee to the body of Carolina.
UFC London 2022 LIVE
McCann vs Carolina – Round 1
The round ends in the middle of the ring, with some showboating from McCann.
The crowd is raucous now!
UFC London 2022 LIVE
McCann vs Carolina – Round 1
Carolina appears to have weathered the storm... for now...
Nice counter left hook from McCann! Carolina is bleeding from the nose. She eats a decent right hand.
McCann catches a kick and briefly backs up the Brazilian against the fence.
Again she pours on hooks! To the body, to the head.
UFC London 2022 LIVE
McCann vs Carolina – Round 1
Massive cheers for McCann as Buffer makes the introductions – the biggest reaction of the night so far! And we’re under way...
McCann catches a kick and tries for a single-leg takedown but is denied.
She catches Carolina with a punch as the Brazilian circles the fence, then pours on a series of heavy hooks to the body! The referee thinks about stopping the fight...
He lets the action continue! More danger for Carolina, who absorbs more strikes – this time to the head – but manages to grab hold of McCann against the fence.
UFC London 2022 LIVE
McCann plays up to the crowd and gets a big reaction.
UFC London 2022 LIVE
Next up, Liverpool’s “Meatball” Molly McCann (11-4) takes on Luana Carolina (8-2) of Brazil in a women’s flyweight bout.
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