A prime-time scheduling slot wasn’t enough to convince some fans to tough out UFC London.
In July 2024, when MMA’s premier promotion last came to Britain for UFC 304, many people in attendance fell asleep while watching Leon Edwards lose his welterweight title to Belal Muhammad during their 5am main event.
Eight months later, Leon Edwards tried to get back into title contention as he clashed with Sean Brady after a 12-fight UFC London undercard that shockingly didn’t deliver a single knockout.
By the end of round three, the hometown favorite was being badly outwrestled in a mind-numbingly boring fight, which many fans decided they’d seen enough of before Edwards got tapped out with a rear-naked choke in the fourth frame.
Footage shows fans leaving UFC London early
Several videos from inside London’s iconic arena show fans booing and leaving the event early.
The UFC commentators pointed out that a noticeable amount of people headed home after round three.
When Edwards’ first-ever stoppage loss was confirmed, fans took to social media to complain about the card.
“Just a horribly boring card,” one fan said. While another added: “One of the worst events I’ve seen in a while.”
“Sometimes has to be said the way it is, last night was the worst UFC card in a long time. #UFCLondon,” someone else commented.
“UFC aint what it used to be,” a fourth social media user insisted.
“Boring as f—,” this angry fan tweeted.
“UFC London was nothing short of a disaster for the home crowd who’ve paid top tier pricing. 3-6 record for English fighters. No Knockouts… The walkout of fans during the main summed it up,” a sixth fan tweeted.
Molly McCann retires
The most noteworthy moment of UFC London saw fan-favorite fighter, Molly McCann, retire.
McCann’s opponent, Alexia Thainara, literally danced her way to the cage before twerking after scoring a first-round submission win in her promotional debut.
‘Meatball’ took off her gloves before telling Michael Bisping she’s done with MMA during a post-fight interview.
McCann’s long-time teammate, Paddy Pimblett, was seen in tears as she made the massive announcement.
“UFC, Dana, Hunter, Mick, f——— hell, all of you,” McCann said.
“I started this sport at 24 I walked into that gym with these three boys and I’ve give you all my f——— heart and soul but tonight with that performance with someone on a week’s notice, it’s not good enough, I’m not coming in here just for a payday off these, the UFC deserves more, I deserve more and you all deserve more.
“So from this little girl from Norris Green, who’s got to fight in these amazing arenas thank you so much, to the little girls at home look at me, look what I managed to do, just two hands and two elbows and I had a good go.
“The UFC thank you so much and Dana, if you ever need an ambassador to fly around Europe, I’m good on the ale, I can chat anyone up to sign a new deal, so thank you and goodnight UFC.”