Leon Edwards 

Leon Edwards once dominated the UFC welterweight division after his knockout title victory against Kamaru Usman showcased his elite striking prowess. He defended the championship twice and appeared completely unstoppable, maintaining exceptional form and confidence throughout his impressive reign. However, his momentum ended when Belal Muhammad defeated him convincingly at UFC 304, costing him the welterweight title.

Edwards struggled on the ground during that fight, appearing helpless against Muhammad’s relentless pressure and superior wrestling skillset. His attempted comeback against Sean Brady earlier this year failed, ending in a disappointing submission loss for Edwards. Many analysts doubt his ability to perform under pressure now, but facing Carlos Prates presents a crucial opportunity to reverse that narrative.

Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates has rapidly risen through the welterweight ranks, building a strong reputation with devastating knockout power. The Brazilian’s striking has overwhelmed multiple opponents, showcasing precision and confidence that make him one of the division’s most dangerous emerging contenders. Apart from fighting, Prates gained additional attention for his lifestyle choices, including smoking, which surprisingly hasn’t negatively affected his performances. 

Instead, his personality has increased his popularity, making him a unique and unpredictable presence within the competitive welterweight landscape. His recent knockout win against Geoff Neal served as a perfect comeback from his previous and only loss to Ian Garry. Against Leon Edwards, Prates now has a massive opportunity to secure legitimacy and establish himself as a true welterweight threat.

What time is the fight?

The UFC 322 main card starts at 3 AM GMT on Sunday, November 16, 2025, for fans watching in the UK. Fans in the US can watch the UFC 322 main card starting at 10 PM ET on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This event will be accessible live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View in the US and on BT Sport and UFC Fight Pass in the UK.

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Tale of the Tape

Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates final predictions

Leon Edwards relies heavily on sharp counterstriking and calculated timing, making him dangerous when controlling distance against aggressive opponents.  However, his recent struggles against pressure wrestlers and powerful strikers have raised concerns about durability and confidence. Carlos Prates brings an explosive knockout style built on forward pressure, crisp combinations, and unpredictable striking angles that overwhelm opponents quickly and decisively.

His momentum is significantly higher, fueled by consecutive dominant performances that have showcased his growing comfort under bright, competitive lights. Prates thrives in chaotic exchanges where Edwards has recently faltered, especially when absorbing clean shots under sustained pressure. Given current trajectories, Prates appears positioned to secure a potential knockout victory through relentless aggression.

Prediction: Carlos Prates via TKO in Round 2

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This fight will headline the event at the O2 Arena in London.

Let’s break down the key stats to help you make the best betting decision.

Fighters Profiles and Strength

Leon Edwards – LWWWW

Leon Edwards has a professional record of 22 wins, four losses, and one no-contest. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, he now represents Birmingham, England.

His last fight was on July 27, 2024, against Belal Muhammad. He was defending his UFC Welterweight Championship but lost by unanimous decision after five rounds. Before that, he retained the title in 2023 with a win over Colby Covington, also by unanimous decision.

Edwards is currently ranked the 4th best MMA Welterweight fighter and the 33rd greatest MMA striker of all time. His victories have come by KO/TKO (7), submission (3), and decision (11).

Before joining the UFC in 2014, he fought in BAMMA, where he won five fights, and Fight UK MMA, where he recorded two wins and one loss. In the UFC, he has fought 18 times, earning 14 wins, three losses, and one no-contest.

He was set to fight Jack Della Maddalena, but the bout was rebooked. At UFC 278 in August 2022, he challenged Kamaru Usman for the title and won with a fifth-round head kick. His no-contest came in March 2021 against Belal Muhammad due to an eye poke in the second round.

Sean Brady – WWLWW

Sean Brady has a professional record of 17 wins and one loss. He fights out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is affiliated with Renzo Gracie Philly.

His last fight was on December 28, 2024, at Fury Pro Grappling 12. He faced Richie Martinez and won in the first round with a Guillotine Choke submission.

In the UFC, Brady has fought eight times, winning seven. Most of his victories came by decision (4) and submission (3). He is currently ranked as the 7th-best MMA Welterweight fighter and the 57th-best pound-for-pound MMA fighter.

Before joining the UFC, he had a strong run in LFA, where he defeated Gilbert Urbina by unanimous decision. He also defended his Cage Fury FC Welterweight Championship against Taj Abdul-Hakim with a second-round victory.

Brady first won the Cage Fury title in 2017 when it was vacant. He claimed it with a first-round Guillotine Choke submission against Tanner Saraceno. Later that year, he defended it against Mike Jones, securing a second-round win by rear-naked choke.

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What time is the fight?

The fight goes live on Saturday 03.22.2025 at 01:00 PM ET.

Venue: O2 Arena, London, England.

How can I Watch It?

You can watch it on ESPN+, and Pay-per-view if you’re interested.

Statistical Matchup

Final Prediction

Leon Edwards will always be remembered for his stunning head-kick win over Kamaru Usman two years ago. It was a defining moment in his career.

He enters this fight as a slight underdog but will look to make a strong statement. With years of experience in the division, he knows what it takes to win. His 22 career victories stand out compared to Brady’s 17.

This fight is expected to be a close battle that could go to the judges. Both fighters are tough and have great endurance. Edwards will aim to use his height and reach advantage to control the fight.

FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE – YES

LEON EDWARDS TO WIN

TOTAL OVER 3.5 ROUNDS

LEON EDWARDS TO WIN BY DECISION OR TECHNICAL DECISION

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The UFC returns to London, England, on March 22nd, 2025, for an electrifying event at the O2 Arena. The card will be headlined by a welterweight clash between former champion Leon Edwards and rising contender Sean Brady. It promises a mix of high-stakes matchups, local talent, and intriguing stylistic battles.

Main Event: Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady (Welterweight)

Background and Stakes:

Leon Edwards, the Birmingham native and former UFC welterweight champion, steps into the Octagon with a point to prove. After losing his title to Belal Muhammad in July 2024 at UFC 304, Edwards (22-4) ended a remarkable 12-fight unbeaten streak that included victories over Kamaru Usman (twice) and Colby Covington. At 33, “Rocky” remains the No. 1-ranked welterweight, but this fight is about more than rankings—it’s about redemption in front of his home crowd. Originally slated to face Jack Della Maddalena, Edwards now meets Sean Brady after Della Maddalena was pulled to challenge Muhammad for the title at UFC 315.

Sean Brady (17-1), ranked No. 5, is a Philadelphia-bred grappler on a mission. His lone loss came via TKO to Belal Muhammad in 2022, but he’s since rebounded with decision wins over Kelvin Gastelum and Gilbert Burns. At 32, Brady’s blend of relentless wrestling and improving striking makes him a dark horse in the division. A win over Edwards could vault him into title contention, especially with Shavkat Rakhmonov sidelined by injury.

Stylistic Breakdown:

Edwards is a technical marvel, a southpaw with a crisp jab, devastating elbows, and a knack for controlling range. His clinch work, honed over years, shredded Covington, while his head-kick dead knockout of Usman in 2022 remains one of the UFC’s most iconic moments. Against wrestlers, Edwards has shown resilience, stuffing Usman’s takedowns and outlasting Muhammad in their first meeting (a no-contest due to an eye poke). However, his title loss exposed a vulnerability: when pressured relentlessly, his output can wane.

Brady, conversely, thrives in the grind. His wrestling is suffocating, chaining takedowns with a bulldog-like tenacity. Against Burns, he showcased improved striking, landing sharp counters while avoiding the Brazilian’s power. Brady’s game plan will likely hinge on closing distance, forcing Edwards against the cage, and dragging him to the mat. His submission threat—nine career finishes—looms large, but he’ll need to navigate Edwards’ long limbs and punishing knees in the clinch.

Analysis:

This five-rounder is a chess match between Edwards’ spacing and Brady’s pressure. Edwards has the edge in striking precision and cage generalship, but Brady’s durability and wrestling could turn it into a war of attrition. The O2’s larger cage favors Edwards’ movement, allowing him to skirt around Brady and pick him apart.

Co-Main Event: Jan Błachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg (Light Heavyweight)

Background and Stakes:

Jan Błachowicz (29-10-1), the former light heavyweight king, returns after a lengthy layoff. The 42-year-old Pole last fought in December 2022, drawing with Magomed Ankalaev in a title bout marred by controversy. Injuries and a title loss to Glover Teixeira in 2021 have slowed his momentum but wins over Israel Adesanya and Aleksandar Rakić prove he’s still a force. Facing Carlos Ulberg, Błachowicz aims to reassert his relevance in a division now ruled by Alex Pereira.

Carlos Ulberg (12-1), a 34-year-old New Zealander training out of City Kickboxing, is riding a seven-fight win streak. His lone loss came in his 2021 UFC debut, but knockouts of Tafon Nchukwi, Kennedy Nzechukwu, and Alonzo Menifield have marked him as a breakout star. With Pereira as a teammate, Ulberg’s stock is soaring, and a win over Błachowicz could fast-track him to a title shot.

Stylistic Breakdown:

Błachowicz brings “Polish Power”—a blend of thudding strikes and sneaky grappling. His knockout of Luke Rockhold and submission of Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza highlight his versatility. At range, he’s a sniper with his left hook, but his takedown defense (74%) and ability to scramble back to his feet make him tough to control. Age and ring rust, however, could dull his explosiveness.

Ulberg is a striker’s dream, tall (6’4”), rangy, and viciously fast. His kickboxing background shines in his pinpoint jab and crippling leg kicks, while his six knockouts in eight UFC fights underscore his finishing ability. Against Menifield, he showed composure under pressure, but his grappling remains untested against elite competition. He’ll want to keep this a kickboxing match, where his youth and speed could overwhelm Błachowicz.

Analysis:

This feels like a passing-of-the-torch moment. Błachowicz’s experience gives him an edge if he can drag Ulberg into deep waters or land a fight-altering bomb. However, Ulberg’s athleticism and striking dynamism are tailor-made to exploit an aging fighter’s slower reactions.

Gunnar Nelson vs. Kevin Holland (Welterweight)

Background and Stakes:

Gunnar Nelson (19-5-1), Iceland’s grappling maestro, returns after a two-year hiatus. The 36-year-old last fought in March 2023, submitting Bryan Barberena. A jiu-jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, Nelson’s 13 submission wins speak to his ground dominance. Facing Kevin Holland, he looks to climb back into the welterweight top 15.

Kevin Holland (26-11), the 32-year-old Texan, is a fan favorite known for his charisma and unorthodox striking. With a 2-4 record in his last six, including losses to Jack Della Maddalena and Michael Page, Holland’s inconsistency has stalled his rise. Still, his knockout power and resilience make him dangerous. A win here could stabilize his career trajectory.

Stylistic Breakdown:

Nelson is a predator on the mat, with a calm, methodical approach to securing takedowns and chaining submissions. His striking is functional but limited, relying on feints to close distance. Against Barberena, he showed he can still dominate when the fight hits the ground, but his long layoff raises questions about his sharpness.

Holland, at 6’3” with an 81-inch reach, is a nightmare standing. His jab and front kicks disrupt rhythm, while his trash-talking unnerves opponents. His grappling defense has improved—he escaped D’arce attempts from Page—but Nelson’s elite jiu-jitsu is a different beast. Holland’s key is keeping it upright, where his creativity shines.

Analysis:

This is striker vs. grappler at its finest. Nelson will hunt for takedowns, but Holland’s length and takedown defense (53%) could frustrate him. If Nelson can’t ground Holland early, he risks being picked apart. Holland’s recent losses suggest vulnerability, but his durability likely tips the scales in his favor.

Molly McCann vs. Alexia Thainara (Women’s Strawweight)

Background and Stakes:

Molly McCann (14-6), Liverpool’s “Meatball,” is a local hero with a rabid fanbase. After a 1-4 skid at flyweight, she dropped to strawweight, submitting Diana Belbiţă in February 2024. At 34, McCann needs a win to build momentum in her new division and thrill the London crowd.

Alexia Thainara (11-1), a 29-year-old Brazilian, enters on a six-fight win streak. Her UFC debut saw her outpoint Bruna Brasil in August 2024, showcasing crisp striking and solid grappling. Relatively unknown, Thainara has a chance to spoil McCann’s homecoming and announce herself as a contender.

Stylistic Breakdown:

McCann is a brawler with heart, throwing looping hooks and elbows in close quarters. Her submission of Belbiţă revealed newfound ground skills, but her aggressive style leaves openings. Against Thainara, she’ll rely on pressure and the crowd’s energy to overwhelm.

Thainara is a technician, blending Muay Thai with a slick ground game (five submission wins). Her jab and low kicks control distance, and her 71% takedown defense could neutralize McCann’s forward march. She’s poised but untested against someone as relentless as McCann.

Analysis:

McCann’s tenacity meets Thainara’s polish in a classic clash. The Brit’s pressure could force Thainara into a firefight, where McCann thrives. However, Thainara’s composure and versatility might exploit McCann’s wildness.

Jordan Vucenic vs. Chris Duncan (Lightweight)

Background and Stakes:

Jordan Vucenic (13-2), a 29-year-old Englishman and former Cage Warriors champ, rides a four-fight win streak into his second UFC bout. His debut knockout of Ricardo Ramos in August 2024 turned heads, and a win here could push him toward the rankings.

Chris Duncan (11-2), a 31-year-old Scot, has won three of his last four, including a knockout of Bolaji Oki in February 2024. Known for his aggression, Duncan aims to derail Vucenic’s hype train and claim a scalp for Team Scotland.

Stylistic Breakdown:

Vucenic is a well-rounded finisher, with seven knockouts and four submissions. His rangy striking and opportunistic grappling overwhelmed Ramos, and his 6’1” frame gives him an edge at 155 pounds. He’s calm under fire, a trait that could neutralize Duncan’s chaos.

Duncan is a bulldozer, swinging heavy hands and hunting knockouts (nine of 11 wins). His wrestling is decent, but his defense is porous—both losses came via finish. He’ll charge Vucenic, banking on power to end it early.

Analysis:

Duncan’s aggression could catch Vucenic off-guard, but the Englishman’s technical edge and finishing instincts should shine in this matchup.

Final Thoughts

UFC London’s main card is a tapestry of narratives: Edwards’ redemption, Ulberg’s ascent, Nelson’s return, McCann’s grit, and Vucenic’s rise. Each fight offers a unique flavor, from technical mastery to raw violence, ensuring a memorable night at the O2. With local stars and international flair, this event could reshape divisions and launch new contenders into the spotlight.

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On the other hand, Edwards is coming off a tough loss and has a chance to reassert himself as a top contender. With both fighters having plenty at stake, this welterweight clash promises to be a high-stakes battle.

This fight came together after a series of changes. Leon Edwards was originally scheduled to face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC London. However, Jack had to withdraw, leading to Sean Brady stepping in as the replacement. Meanwhile, Jack received an even bigger opportunity. He is now set to challenge Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315. With these shifts, Brady now has a golden chance to make his mark against a former champion.

Sean Brady Ready to Climb UFC Rankings

Sean Brady has steadily risen in the welterweight division, and this fight is his biggest opportunity yet. With an impressive record of 17-1, he has proven himself as a dangerous grappler with elite submission skills. A win over former champion Leon Edwards would solidify his place among the division’s best.

Brady’s dominant win against Kelvin Gastelum in his last fight showcased his improved striking and relentless pressure. However, facing Edwards is a different challenge. The British star has elite kickboxing, strong takedown defense, and years of experience against top competition. If Brady can impose his wrestling and avoid Edwards’ striking, he could pull off a statement win.

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Leon Edwards Says Title Shot Next If He Wins

Leon Edwards is confident that a victory at UFC London will put him back in the title picture. The former welterweight champion believes that beating Sean Brady should be enough to earn a rematch for the belt.

Edwards lost his title to Belal Muhammad in a closely contested fight. Now, with Muhammad defending his belt against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Edwards sees a clear path back to the top.
Leon Edwards has revealed that the UFC considers his fight against Sean Brady a No. 1 contender bout. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Edwards said, “I’ve talked to the UFC, and they’ve said that this [bout] is a number one contender fight. When I win this, I fight for the title.”

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The bout will be Edward’s first since losing the title to Belal Muhammad in July last year. Della Maddalena on the flip side is fourth in the UFC welterweight rankings. And he has won his first seven fights in the promotion.

The Australian last fought in March last year. On the night, he stopped Brazil’s Gilbert Burns in the third round of an impressive performance. A victory for either Edwards or Maddalena would put them in pole position to challenge the winner of the title fight between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov, which is set to take place at an unconfirmed date later this year.

It is worth noting that the fight between Edwards and Della Maddalena joins a list of already confirmed fights for the card at the O2 Arena, including Britain’s Molly McCann against Brazilian strawweight Istela Nunes. Apart from that, British heavyweight Mick Parkin takes on Poland’s Marcin Tybura, and Ireland’s Shauna Bannon faces India’s Puja Tomar at strawweight.

UFC London: Leon Edwards vs Jack Della Maddalena full fight card

As mentioned earlier, a number of matchups have been confirmed for UFC London so far. That said, take a look at the full card released as of yet below: 

• Leon Edwards vs Jack Della Maddalena – welterweight
• Jan Blachowicz vs Carlos Ulberg – light-heavyweight
• Molly McCann vs Istela Nunes – strawweight
• Nathaniel Wood vs Morgan Charriere – featherweight
• Jai Herbert vs Chris Padilla – lightweight
• Alonzo Menifield vs Oumar Sy – light-heavyweight
• Mick Parkin vs Marcin Tybura – heavyweight
• Lone’er Kavanagh vs Felipe dos Santos – flyweight
• Christian Leroy Duncan vs Andrey Pulyaev – middleweight
• Shauna Bannon vs Puja Tomar – strawweight
• Nathan Fletcher vs Caolan Loughran – bantamweight

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