UFC London 2022 LIVE results: Paddy Pimblett and Tom Aspinall secure statement wins

For three years, British fans and fighters have awaited the UFC’s return to the English capital, and finally UFC London is back on the calendar of the biggest promotion in mixed martial arts, with a stacked card taking place at the O2 Arena tonight.

A heavyweight clash between Wigan’s Tom Aspinall and Russian Alexander Volkov will headline the event, as 11th-ranked Aspinall looks to secure the most significant win of his career against the No 6 veteran. In the co-main event, Arnold Allen finds himself in a similar position to Aspinall. Fighting out of Ipswich, Allen goes up against New Zealand’s Dan Hooker, who drops back down to featherweight for this bout. Hooker represents the biggest name that seventh-ranked Allen has fought, and the Englishman would extent his win streak to 11 with a victory over the fan favourite.

In one of the most highly-anticipated bouts on the card, rising lightweight star Paddy Pimblett takes on Rodrigo “Kazula” Vargas. Liverpudlian Pimblett enjoyed a successful UFC debut last year, winning via first-round knockout, and all eyes will be on “Paddy The Baddy” here. Also in action will be the likes of “Meatball” Molly McCann, Scotland’s Paul Craig, and unbeaten Welshman Jack Shore.

Follow live updates from the UFC London prelims and main card, below.

UFC London 2022

• Tom Aspinall def. Alexander Volkov via first-round submission (straight arm lock, 3:45)

• Arnold Allen def. Dan Hooker via first-round TKO (punches, 2:33)

• Paddy Pimblett def. Rodrigo Vargas via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 3:49)

• Gunnar Nelson def. Takashi Sato via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

• Molly McCann def. Luana Carolina via third-round KO (spinning back elbow, 1:52)

• Ilia Topuria def. Jai Herbert via first-round KO (punch, 1:07)

• Plus numerous Britons in action in prelim bouts

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:46 , Alex Pattle

Tom Aspinall def. Alexander Volkov via first-round submission (straight arm lock, 3:45)

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:45 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:38 , Alex Pattle

Aspinall: “Okay, first thing, someone buy me a beer.

“Second thing, we drink beer in the UK – not just in Australia.

“So, Tai Tuivasa, next time we’re in the UK...”

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:35 , Alex Pattle

Volkov vs Aspinall – Round 1

ASPINALL GETS THE SUBMISSION!

He forces Volkov to tap to a straight arm lock!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:34 , Alex Pattle

Volkov vs Aspinall – Round 1

Aspinall briefly looks for a Kimura. He is unable to lock it in, and Volkov stands.

The Russian is bleeding badly from the top of his head, which must have been cut open by those elbows.

Nice feinting from Aspinall, who is backing up Volkov.

The Russian drops Aspinall with a straight punch! But the Englishman was simply off balance, rather than rocked.

Great reflexes by Aspinall to dodge a head kick, and then he takes down Volkov at once!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:32 , Alex Pattle

Volkov vs Aspinall – Round 1

Volkov grins at Aspinall. Great right straight and left hook by the Englishman.

A couple of hard low kicks, too. Volkov returns fire with an inside leg kick then a rapid kick to the body.

Aspinall gets hold of the Russian and drags him to the canvas at once! He’s straight into side control.

Nice elbows from on top by Aspinall.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:29 , Alex Pattle

Darren Till is in Aspinall’s corner.

Till headlined UFC London last time the event took place, in 2019, when he was knocked out by Jorge Masvidal.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:28 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:28 , Alex Pattle

Volkov glares at Aspinall while pacing back and forth.

Aspinall is jogging on the spot, not looking at the Russian.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:27 , Alex Pattle

Quite a few boos for Volkov.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:24 , Alex Pattle

Aspinall looks loose.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:23 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:23 , Alex Pattle

Everyone is out of their seats for Aspinall as he walks out to “Move On Up”.

Great walkout song.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:21 , Alex Pattle

It’s time for the main event of the evening...

Wigan heavyweight Tom Aspinall (11-2) is on a seven-fight win streak, with stoppages in all of those bouts.

Alexander Volkov (34-9), fighting out of Russia, is a veteran of the sport who has experience headlining in London.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:15 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:15 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:14 , Alex Pattle

Allen calls out Calvin Kattar. Sign us up.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:13 , Alex Pattle

Allen: “I had thoughts of Hooker doing all these nasty things that he’s done to other guys, knocking me out. I was s***ing myself.”

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:12 , Alex Pattle

Arnold Allen def. Dan Hooker via first-round TKO (punches, 2:33)

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:10 , Alex Pattle

Allen vs Hooker – Round 1

Allen with a one-two and the straight shot hurts Hooker!

A high kick lands for the Englishman, then a fierce series of punches against the fence and the referee waves it off!

Allen stops Hooker in the first round!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:08 , Alex Pattle

Allen vs Hooker – Round 1

Here we go! Front kick misses for Hooker early on. He’s leading the dance, though.

A couple of hard outside low kicks land for Allen. Good overhand left from the Englishman!

One-two then he backs up Hooker with a series of punches! How is Hooker still standing?!

Hooker clips Allen with his own punch and wobbles the home fighter! But Allen goes right back to throwing punches.

Again Hooker survives somehow! His nose is busted up.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:04 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:04 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:03 , Alex Pattle

A nice reaction for Hooker.

Now here comes Allen to the sound of Queen’s “We Will Rock You”.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:02 , Alex Pattle

And here’s an interview with Allen from last month:

Arnold Allen: ‘I don’t want to be famous, just the best fighter in the world’

UFC London 2022 LIVE

22:02 , Alex Pattle

Hooker is out first.

One of this writer’s favourite ever interviews to conduct was one with Hooker ahead of his fight with Michael Chandler last January.

Check it out here, if you like:

Dan Hooker on UFC 257 co-main event against Michael Chandler

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:59 , Alex Pattle

Ipswich featherweight Allen (17-1) is riding a 10-fight win streak as he welcomes New Zealand fan favourite Hooker (21-11) back to the 145lbs division.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:56 , Alex Pattle

Well, that moment is going to take some topping.

Just in time, here comes what many fans think will be fight of the night... Arnold Allen vs Dan Hooker.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:55 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett leads the crowd in a chant of “Justice for the 97,” in reference to the Hillsborough disaster.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:53 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:51 , Alex Pattle

“I’m never, ever, ever, ever in a boring fight, lad,” Pimblett tells Michael Bisping.

“That was only about a 5 or 6/10. He caught me with a nice punch, I failed with the first takedown attempt.

“He did land a punch...

“See this arena, the O2? Too small, too small. Give me a stadium. Get us to Anfield...

“Mark Zuckerberg, I’m gonna punch your head in. I’m sick of you, lad, shutting down my Instagram profile, when all I do is help charities. You’re the biggest bully in the world, lad.”

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:49 , Alex Pattle

Paddy Pimblett def. Rodrigo Vargas via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 3:49)

Molly McCann joins Pimblett in the ring to celebrate with her fellow Scouser.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:45 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett vs Vargas – Round 1

Pimblett stands against the fence! The crowd likes that.

Pimblett is now able to throw Vargas to the canvas, and the crowd likes that even more!

The Liverpudlian takes Vargas’ back with ease and works towards a rear naked choke...

VARGAS TAP! The crowd erupts!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:43 , Alex Pattle

Pimblett vs Vargas – Round 1

It feels like a title fight is about to take place.

Hard low kick by Pimblett, but he’s dropped almost at once by a right hand!

Vargas tries for a couple of follow-up punches but seems content to lay on top of Pimblett and wear him out.

“Oh, Paddy The Baddy!” is the chant from the crowd as they will their man to get up.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:41 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:34 , Alex Pattle

Liverpudlian Pimblett (17-3) won his UFC debut via first-round knockout last year.

The 27-year-old fan favourite is convinced he will secure a statement win against Vargas (12-4) here.

Boos for the Mexican as he makes his way to the ring.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:32 , Alex Pattle

Next up. Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett vs Rodrigo “Kazula” Vargas.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:30 , Alex Pattle

Gunnar Nelson def. Takashi Sato via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:28 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Sato – Round 3

Nelson is just beating up Sato here.

He again looks for a rear naked choke but can’t quite secure it.

In any case, Nelson ends the round in control and will receive a handy points victory here.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:26 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Sato – Round 3

Final round. The welterweights touch gloves.

Nelson manages to get another takedown midway through the round and easily takes Sato’s back once more.

Again the Icelandic fighter throws punches and hammer fists.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:22 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Sato – Round 2

Nelson is grappling Sato against the fence and manages to take the back again. The crowd is getting excited, believing a finish may come soon...

Nelson throws clubbing punches and hammer fists, and then tries for a rear naked choke...

He can’t quite lock it in so opts to throw more strikes.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:19 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Sato – Round 2

The referee appears to warn Sato not to grab Nelson’s gloves, which suggests that the Japanese must have sneakily done so in the first round.

Body kick from Nelson. He’s trying to enter with overhand rights but keeps catching Sato with his forearm instead.

Beautiful right straight from the Icelandic fighter, though! That stings Sato.

Hard low kick by Sato in response. Again Nelson mistimes an overhand right, but he follows that with a clean one!

Now a drive double-leg takedown from Nelson!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:15 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Sato – Round 1

Nelson shoots for a single-leg takedown but impressively transitions into a body lock.

He’s able to drag Sato to the mat and quickly takes the back!

Sato defends the right side of his head but takes some hammer fists to the left. Nelson is in control here.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:13 , Alex Pattle

Nelson vs Sato – Round 1

Nelson blocks a left high kick from his southpaw opponent, then sees a head kick of his own blocked.

Nelson’s stance is very reminiscent of McGregor’s pre-Mayweather-fight stance, except in orthodox.

He throws a couple of one-twos with the intention of closing distance and grabbing Sato, who has thus far been able to free himself each time.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:09 , Alex Pattle

Iceland’s Nelson fights out of SBG Ireland, Conor McGregor’s gym, and has the former champion’s head coach – John Kavanagh – in his corner. Nice reaction for Nelson.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:08 , Alex Pattle

An early knockout of the year contender there.

We move on now to welterweight action as Gunnar Nelson (17-5-1) faces Takashi Sato (16-4).

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:01 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

21:01 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:59 , Alex Pattle

McCann grabbed a UFC title belt from somewhere and walked around the ring, holding it aloft.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:58 , Alex Pattle

Molly McCann def. Luana Carolina via third-round KO (spinning back elbow, 1:52)

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:57 , Alex Pattle

Backstage, Paddy Pimblett jumps for joy for his friend McCann.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:55 , Alex Pattle

McCann vs Carolina – Round 3

Final round. The women embrace.

A different kind of embrace follows as they grapple along the cage wall.

“Ole”s from the crowd. Accurate counter left hook lands for McCann!

Oh my word!!!! McCann sends the O2 into raptures with a spinning back elbow that absolutely WRECKS Carolina!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:52 , Alex Pattle

McCann vs Carolina – Round 2

McCann can’t advance her position so decides to stand. She throws kicks to the legs of her downed opponent, who tries for some up-kicks.

The referee soon allows Carolina to stand, and the women are back to grappling against the fence.

Nice elbow in the clinch by Carolina, then the flyweights separate. They clinch again and Carolina lands some more decent elbows.

McCann grabs Carolina, lifts her up and backdrops her!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:49 , Alex Pattle

McCann vs Carolina – Round 2

McCann blocks a head kick. Carolina grabs her in close but is pushed back against the cage wall by the stronger McCann.

Decent body kick from Carolina after the pair separate. Now a nice knee up top! McCann has slowed down somewhat.

But she finds a second wind and takes down her opponent against the fence!

McCann is in side control, looking to transition into either guard or north-south position. She can’t secure either, so instead throws a harsh knee to the body of Carolina.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:46 , Alex Pattle

McCann vs Carolina – Round 1

The round ends in the middle of the ring, with some showboating from McCann.

The crowd is raucous now!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:45 , Alex Pattle

McCann vs Carolina – Round 1

Carolina appears to have weathered the storm... for now...

Nice counter left hook from McCann! Carolina is bleeding from the nose. She eats a decent right hand.

McCann catches a kick and briefly backs up the Brazilian against the fence.

Again she pours on hooks! To the body, to the head.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:42 , Alex Pattle

McCann vs Carolina – Round 1

Massive cheers for McCann as Buffer makes the introductions – the biggest reaction of the night so far! And we’re under way...

McCann catches a kick and tries for a single-leg takedown but is denied.

She catches Carolina with a punch as the Brazilian circles the fence, then pours on a series of heavy hooks to the body! The referee thinks about stopping the fight...

He lets the action continue! More danger for Carolina, who absorbs more strikes – this time to the head – but manages to grab hold of McCann against the fence.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:38 , Alex Pattle

McCann plays up to the crowd and gets a big reaction.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:35 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Liverpool’s “Meatball” Molly McCann (11-4) takes on Luana Carolina (8-2) of Brazil in a women’s flyweight bout.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:34 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:33 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:27 , Alex Pattle

Ilia Topuria def. Jai Herbert via first-round KO (punch, 1:07)

Topuria calls Paddy Pimblett a “b***h”, says: “F*** you.

“I want that blonde bitch, that Paddy b***h.”

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:24 , Alex Pattle

Herbert vs Topuria – Round 2

Topuria with a finish out of nowhere!!!

He knocks Herbert out COLD with a vicious right hook as the Briton stands with his back against the fence!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:21 , Alex Pattle

Herbert vs Topuria – Round 1

Topuria is in Herbert’s guard, throwing strikes to the head.

Herbert shrimps free and stands! He knocks out Topuria’s mouthguard with a series of punches. The Georgian’s mouth is bloodied!

Big knee to the face of Topuria! Then a clean right straight from Herbert as his opponent backs up against the fence.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:18 , Alex Pattle

Herbert vs Topuria – Round 1

Here we go. Herbert just misses with a front kick up top.

He tags Topuria with a nice counter left hook as the Georgian backs him up.

Massive left high kick from Herbert to drop Topuria!! Somehow Topuria is still cognisant and manages to trip Herbert!

Herbert stands but is still in Topuria’s grip against the fence. Another successful trip by the Georgian.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:14 , Alex Pattle

Cheers for Herbert as he steps into the ring.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:11 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:10 , Alex Pattle

Boos rain down as Topuria makes his entrance.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:07 , Alex Pattle

Paddy Pimblett expects to steal the show later tonight.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

20:04 , Alex Pattle

The main card begins with a lightweight meeting between Wolverhampton’s Jai Herbert (11-3) and Ilia Topuria (11-0) of Georgia.

Earlier this week, the unbeaten Topuria was involved in a bust-up with Paddy Pimblett at the fighter hotel.

Story here:

Paddy Pimblett in hotel bust-up with Ilia Topuria ahead of UFC London

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:48 , Alex Pattle

Next up, the UFC London main card!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:45 , Alex Pattle

Amirkhani: “Just put me back in next week, I’m ready.”

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:44 , Alex Pattle

Makwan Amirkhani def. Mike Grundy via first-round submission (anaconda choke, 0:57)

Amirkhani actually transitioned into an anaconda choke from the guillotine.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:42 , Alex Pattle

Grundy vs Amirkhani – Round 1

Two grapplers here. Grundy immediately shoots for a takedown but finds himself in a guillotine attempt.

He said earlier this week that he thought he and his opponent might just end up striking throughout...

Grundy tries to wriggle free but to no avail...

The referee checks on Grundy... He’s out! He’s out cold.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:38 , Alex Pattle

Grundy walks out to “Here I Go Again” by Whitesnake.

Bruce Buffer is loving it, singing along.

A big cheer for Grundy as he motions to the crowd.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:37 , Alex Pattle

Amirkhani with a backflip after making his way into the ring. He then bounces against the opposite cage door and it swings wide open.

Thank goodness he didn’t fall through!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:36 , Alex Pattle

Grundy and Amirkhani were due to fight one another at UFC London in 2020, only for the event to be cancelled on short notice.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:34 , Alex Pattle

Paddy Pimblett appears on the big screen as he makes his way into the arena.

He looks very relaxed. Quite a few cheers for the Liverpudlian lightweight, who takes on Rodrigo “Kazula” Vargas later tonight.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:31 , Alex Pattle

One more prelim fight to come!

Mike Grundy, fighting out of Wigan, takes on “Mr Finland” Makwan Amirkhani.

Grundy (12-3) is on a two-fight skid, while Amirkhani (16-7) has lost his last three bouts.

Featherweight action is moments away...

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:25 , Alex Pattle

Sergei Pavlovich def. Shamil Abdurakhimov via first-round TKO (punches, 4:03)

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:23 , Alex Pattle

Abdurakhimov vs Pavlovich – Round 1

Pavlovich drops Abdurakhimov with a big right straight and follows up with hammer fists as his compatriot shells up!

The referee steps in and waves off the fight!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:21 , Alex Pattle

Abdurakhimov vs Pavlovich – Round 1

“Woo”s from the crowd during a slow opening stretch.

Abdurakhimov throws a few low kicks and one to the body. He almost catches Pavlovich on the end of a fadeaway hook.

Pavlovich presses forward, the men start brawling! Both land shots in close.

They separate but come together again, with Pavlovich landing hooks off both wings then a knee up the middle!

He’s definitely the faster fighter.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:14 , Alex Pattle

Now we have one of just two bouts this evening to not feature a British fighter.

Russian heavyweights Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-6) and Sergei Pavlovich (14-1) go head-to-head.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

19:10 , Alex Pattle

Another win for the Britons!

Paul Craig spends most of the first round against Nikita Krylov on his back, with the Ukrainian landing some big punches.

Craig takes advantage of one to throw up a triangle choke, however, and he submits his fellow light heavyweight!

A fourth straight stoppage win for “Bearjew”.

Paul Craig def. Nikita Krylov via first-round submission (triangle choke, 3:57)

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:49 , Alex Pattle

Jack Shore def. Timur Valiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)

Another very close fight. The crowd greets Bruce Buffer’s announcement of the result with a huge roar!

Welshman Shore moves to 16-0.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:47 , Alex Pattle

Shore vs Valiev – Round 3

Once more Valiev is able to stand and get clear. Ninety seconds remain.

A right hand lands for Shore in close, then a jab as he manages range well.

Valiev connects with a jab then circles away. More punches land for Shore.

He drops Valiev with a huge left hook!! The Russian stands but is out on his feet…

Somehow he regains composure and beckons Shore to come forward.

The Welshman obliges and dumps the Russian on the mat! That’s where this fight will end...

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:44 , Alex Pattle

Shore vs Valiev – Round 3

The bantamweights touch gloves.

Another slick combination from Valiev, who throws a one-two up top then kicks low.

But Shore, out of nowhere, drops the Russian! He has him against the fence, takes the back and pours on a series of punches!

Valiev is still with it, however, and wriggles free. The Russian looks to reassert authority. He connects with a right and left up top.

Shore catches a kick and tries for a takedown, but Valiev counters with a guillotine attempt!

Shore is in the hold for what feels like forever, but manages to give referee Goddard a thumbs-up!

The crowd ERUPTS as Shore somehow escapes the choke and gets on top!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:40 , Alex Pattle

Shore vs Valiev – Round 2

Big overhand right lands for Shore! He tries for another but can’t quite connect.

Valiev responds by kicking the legs of the Welshman again.

Shore grabs his opponent and forces him back to the fence, where he throws a couple of knees in the clinch.

Shore takes down Valiev for the briefest moment, before Valiev returns the favour and looks to take the back…

The crowd roars as Shore escapes and grapples the Russian against the cage wall! The round ends there.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:38 , Alex Pattle

Shore vs Valiev – Round 2

Shore punches over the top of a low kick from Valiev, and uses the move to grab hold of the Russian.

Shore pushes him down to the canvas, but Valiev stands against the fence and lands a lovely combination, targeting the legs, body and head!

Then the Russian secures a takedown and goes to work in Shore’s guard.

Shore is able to scoot back to the fence and eventually stand, to the applause of the O2 crowd! He even fires off a couple of punches to Valiev’s head before getting into space.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:35 , Alex Pattle

Shore vs Valiev – Round 1

Valiev is able to free himself and fires off low kicks, then a couple of decent hooks.

A stiff jab to the body of Shore now, then the head.

Valiev misses with a kind of wheel kick, then Shore misses with a punch.

Valiev kicks hard and low, before the final action of the opening round sees Shore connect with a harsh, short right hand!

That seemed to get Valiev’s attention.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:33 , Alex Pattle

Shore vs Valiev – Round 1

Valiev catches a body kick but does nothing with it. He catches another and uses it to force Shore against the fence.

Referee Marc Goddard pauses the action for an apparent low blow by Valiev in the clinch.

The pair are repositioned in the centre of the ring and trade spiteful low kicks. Again Shore comes forward.

Once more Valiev catches a kick, this time driving Shore to the mat. Shore is quick to stand and even forces his opponent back against the cage wall!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:31 , Alex Pattle

Shore vs Valiev – Round 1

Shore takes the centre of the ring at once. He quickly looks to grapple his opponent, who shakes off the Welshman.

“Ole”s ring around the O2.

Shore barely misses with a jab. Valiev barely misses with an overhand.

Shore kicks high but sees his attempt blocked. Valiev feints for a takedown.

Now Shore kicks low. He feints with the jab as he backs up Valiev, then the men trade leg kicks.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:28 , Alex Pattle

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:27 , Alex Pattle

“Seven Nation Army” transitions into “Supersonic” by Oasis. Lovely stuff.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:26 , Alex Pattle

McKenna’s compatriot Jack “Tank” Shore is up next, putting his 15-0 record on the line against Timur Valiev (18-2, 1 No Contest) in a bantamweight bout.

Shore emerges to “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. The fans chant straight away. Even Russian Valiev enjoys the tune.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:24 , Alex Pattle

We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards for a decision.

Elise Reed def. Cory McKenna via split decision (27-20, 29-28, 29-28)

A close fight. No British clean sweep this evening.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:21 , Alex Pattle

McKenna vs Reed – Round 3

Elbows land for McKenna now, before Reed is able to kick away the Welshwoman and stand.

Ninety seconds left in the fight. “Take her down again,” one Welsh fan shouts. “Come on, Cory, smack her!” demands another.

Reed almost drops McKenna with a right hand! The Welshwoman stumbles back against the fence and looks dazed.

She’s quick to recover, though, and even lands her own punches as we enter the final minute…

The fight, a close one, ends with McKenna grappling Reed against the cage wall.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:18 , Alex Pattle

McKenna vs Reed – Round 3

The pair touch gloves to begin the final round. Reed is red around the mouth; McKenna around the nose.

Both women land right hands in a messy exchange. Reed then backs up McKenna, who manages to secure a double-leg takedown for the third round in a row.

She eats a hammer fist to the head for her troubles but lands a hard punch soon thereafter.

McKenna is in Reed’s full guard, throwing punches. She tries to transition into side control but to no avail.

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:14 , Alex Pattle

McKenna vs Reed – Round 2

Reed looks to back up McKenna and regain momentum.

The women brawl briefly as we approach the final minute of this round.

McKenna flicks out a jab to hide a swift high kick, but that second strike doesn’t quite land.

McKenna drives a double-leg and again lifts Reed, before dumping the American to the canvas in the final seconds of the round!

UFC London 2022 LIVE

18:13 , Alex Pattle

McKenna vs Reed – Round 2

More outside low kicks from Reed in this second round. She narrowly misses with an overhand right, and McKenna fails to land her own retaliatory shot.

Now a right straight stings McKenna, who has admittedly taken these sorts of strikes well this evening.

More “woo”s from the crowd during a slower period, before McKenna lands a decent right hand.

The 22-year-old then connects with a low switch kick – nice stuff.

A McKenna left hook is just a primer for a fierce right straight now! She then catches a kick and fires a right hand over the top, before connecting with a knee to her ducking opponent.

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