UFC London LIVE results: Paddy Pimblett wins before Tom Aspinall injury against Curtis Blaydes
Re-live updates and see all results from the O2 Arena, where a host of British fighters competed
Paddy Pimblett was once again the star of UFC London, four months after the MMA promotion’s last trip to the English capital, submitting Jordan Leavitt in the second round before fellow Briton Tom Aspinall suffered a knee injury just seconds into the main event.
Pimblett, who entered the O2 Arena with a 2-0 record in the UFC after two first-round stoppage wins, was largely outwrestled by Leavitt in the first round of their fight on Saturday night, but the Liverpudlian kept his composure to set up the finish in Round 2. Pimblett, 27, dropped Leavitt with a knee in the clinch as both lightweights grappled along the fence, and “Paddy The Baddy” quickly took the American’s back before locking in a rear naked choke. Leavitt soon tapped out, sending the O2 into raptures in a similar fashion to how the crowd reacted to Pimblett’s submission of Rodrigo Vargas in March.
Later in the night, the highly-anticipated heavyweight main event between Wigan’s Aspinall and American Curtis Blaydes ended after just 15 seconds, when the Briton’s knee gave way after he had thrown a leg kick. Aspinall collapsed to the canvas, and referee Herb Dean waved off the fight, before Blaydes was declared the winner by TKO once a wincing Aspinall, 29, had finally gotten back to his feet with his leg in a brace. Re-live updates and see all results from UFC London, below.
UFC London LIVE
Next up is the co-main event, in which middleweights Jack Hermansson and Chris Curtis go head to head.
American Curtis is stepping in for injured Liverpudlian Darren Till.
UFC London LIVE
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”, the anthem of Pimblett’s beloved Liverpool FC, is played in the arena as “The Baddy” exits.
UFC London LIVE
Pimblett’s friend Molly McCann joins him in the ring to celebrate.
UFC London LIVE
The Liverpudlian also says he found out on Friday morning that one of his friends had killed himself this week, and Pimblett urges people to speak to someone if they’re struggling with their mental health.
UFC London LIVE
Pimblett dedicates the win to Lee Hodgson, a four-year-old friend of his who passed away from terminal cancer recently.
UFC London LIVE
Pimblett: “Disappointed in my performance. In the back I was firing on all cylinders. That’s not me, lad. I was s***. I’m better than that.”
UFC London LIVE
Pimblett vs Leavitt – Round 2
Pimblett with a right hook to the body. Leavitt with a teep kick to the body to keep him at bay. Leavitt lands a decent right cross then shoots for a single-leg takedown.
He drives Pimblett back to the fence, where the Liverpudlian does well to keep things standing.
Pimblett lands a solid knee, and Leavitt goes down! Pimblett takes the back... he’s working on a rear naked choke while also throwing punches.
The crowd is singing... the choke is in... LEAVITT TAPS! PIMBLETT WINS!
UFC London LIVE
Pimblett vs Leavitt – Round 1
Pimblett backs up Leavitt at once. He throws a grazing right overhand, then Leavitt shoots for a takedown. Pimblett sprawls well, but the American soon drags him down.
Pimblett springs to his feet but is being held against the fence. Leavitt picks up the Liverpudlian and slams him to the mat. Pimblett tries for a guillotine choke... the crowd is on edge...
He’s forced to let go, but he is soon able to stand against the cage wall. Leavitt still has control of Pimblett, and the crowd boos as the tourist keeps “The Baddy” in place.
A dynamic grappling exchange follows, with Paddy sprawling and Leavitt trying to lift him.
Eventually Pimblett gets free and the pair separate. Pimblett lands a solid punch, which the crowd loves, and he ends the round on top, throwing a few punches from above.
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