UFC London ends in anti-climax after Paddy Pimblett provides poignant peak

The deafening roar that followed Pimblett’s win was contrasted dramatically by the reaction to the main event, writes Alex Pattle

Somehow, Pimblett kept more composure than most in the arena on Saturday (PA)

At UFC London on Saturday night, Paddy Pimblett plunged the O2 Arena into ecstasy before draining the 17,000 present of every drop of empathy they possessed.

By submitting Jordan Leavitt, “Paddy The Baddy” sent the venue into raptures – just as he did in March, when the UFC returned to London after three years away. On that spring evening, the Liverpudlian beat Rodrigo Vargas with a rear naked choke; on this summer night, Leavitt suffered the same fate.

The responses to each finish were deafening. I had the privilege of sitting just a couple of metres from the Octagon for both. The commotion on each occasion made it difficult to think.

Somehow, Pimblett kept more composure than most in the arena on Saturday to deliver a poignant speech on men’s mental health. The 27-year-old is a flawed character, but it was practically impossible not to be moved as Pimblett revealed that he had learnt about a friend’s suicide just hours before his weigh-in on Friday.

“I’d rather have my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week,” a tearful Pimblett said. “So please, let’s get rid of this stigma, and men, start talking.”

The powerful moment marked the peak of proceedings, as the deafening roar that followed Pimblett’s win was contrasted dramatically by the reaction to the main event. Tom Aspinall was set for a heavyweight clash with Curtis Blaydes, and with the bout possibly representing the final test for the Wigan fighter before a title shot, those in attendance waited in palpable anticipation of what should have been the evening’s most intriguing contest.

Within 15 seconds of the fight starting, however, it was over. Clutching his knee, Aspinall collapsed to the mat. Blaydes flung his hands towards the ceiling in shock. The 17,813 fans in the O2 let out the sharpest gasp then fell silent at once. Some fans immediately headed for the exits. In the ring, Aspinall winced, trying to fend off tears.

Saturday’s edition of UFC London was unlikely to match March’s enthralling card, which marked the most monumental night in the history of British MMA. And while it provided a number of thrilling moments, some fans will remember it for Aspinall’s agony as much as for Pimblett’s presence.

Yours,

Alex Pattle

Combat sports correspondent