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

UFC 4 - Conor McGregor

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 280 press conference LIVE

• UFC 280 press conference takes place at O2 Arena in London
• Press conference plays out before UFC London ceremonial weigh-ins
• UFC 280 scheduled for Abu Dhabi in October
• Oliveira faces Islam Makhachev; O’Malley fights Petr Yan
• Oliveira and O’Malley are joined by Belal Muhammad, who faces Sean Brady

[22 July 2022 17:30 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

And that’s all from us! We’ll catch you tomorrow evening for live fight night updates from the O2 Arena!

[22 July 2022 17:29 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Respect between both fighters as the singing for Aspinall gets louder.

[22 July 2022 17:28 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Aspinall emerges, taking his time to savour the moment as fans keep singing.

Boos for Blaydes, as you’d expect. He seems unfazed.

[22 July 2022 17:26 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

The lights dim and a promo video plays. Fans are jumping up and down and singing, “Na na na na, na na na na, na na na, Tommy Aspinall, Aspinall, Tommy Aspinall!”

[22 July 2022 17:24 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Two more fighters to come: heavyweights Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes, who square off in the main event tomorrow.

[22 July 2022 17:24 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Next up are Chris Curtis and Jack Hermansson, who clash in a middleweight main event. Hermansson is fired up.

[22 July 2022 17:23 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

A massive reaction for Pimblett. The face-off is done from a distance but is cordial.

Leavitt goes to shake hands, and Pimblett looks like he will... before pulling his hand away!

It’s in good nature, though. Leavitt laughs.

[22 July 2022 17:21 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Leavitt does a little dance as he takes off his top.

[22 July 2022 17:21 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Heavy boos for Leavitt, who welcomes them...

[22 July 2022 17:21 · Alex Pattle]

UFC London weigh-ins LIVE

Next up are Jordan Leavitt and Paddy Pimblett... this could be tasty...