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Summary
- Leon Edwards aims to make a statement with a win at UFC Fight Night 255.
- Both Edwards and Sean Brady seek redemption from their prior losses to Belal Muhammad.
- Betting odds favor Sean Brady due to recent performances, but Edwards is expected to put up a tough fight.
The UFC
returns to London on March 22, 2025, for
UFC Fight Night 255
featuring a pivotal welterweight main event between former champion Leon Edwards and rising contender Sean Brady. This bout holds significant implications for the welterweight division, as both fighters aim to campaign for a potential title shot with a win.
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Leon Edwards Has To Make A Statement
Both Fighters Want To Avenge Their Losses To Belal Muhammad
|
Statistics |
Leon Edwards |
Sean Brady |
|---|---|---|
|
Age |
33 |
32 |
|
Height |
6’2″ (188 cm) |
5’10” (178 cm) |
|
Reach |
74 inches (188 cm) |
72.5 inches (184 cm) |
|
Professional Record |
22 wins, 4 losses, 1 no contest |
17 wins, 1 loss |
|
Knockout Wins |
7 |
3 |
|
Submission Wins |
3 |
5 |
|
Decision Wins |
12 |
9 |
|
Significant Strikes Landed per Minute |
2.68 |
4.09 |
|
Striking Accuracy |
53% |
55% |
|
Strikes Absorbed per Minute |
2.37 |
3.18 |
|
Striking Defense |
53% |
60% |
|
Takedown Average per 15 Minutes |
1.25 |
3.49 |
|
Takedown Accuracy |
36% |
52% |
|
Takedown Defense |
65% |
85% |
Leon Edwards is renowned for his technical striking and well-rounded skill set. After capturing the welterweight title in August 2022 with a stunning knockout of Kamaru Usman, Edwards successfully defended his belt twice before losing it to Belal Muhammad in July 2024 by unanimous decision. This upcoming fight marks his first appearance since that loss, and he is determined to reclaim his status in the division in front of a hometown crowd.
Sean Brady has rapidly ascended the welterweight ranks with his grappling and relentless pressure. His sole professional loss came against current champion Belal Muhammad in October 2022. Since then, Brady has rebounded with notable victories over Kelvin Gastelum and Gilbert Burns.
Betting Odds For Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady
Odds For The Co-Main Event Also
As of March 21, 2025, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the betting odds for the main event as follows:
- Leon Edwards: +130 underdog
- Sean Brady: -155 favorite
These odds suggest that bettors favor Brady, likely due to his recent performances and Edwards’ recent loss. The odds also suggest that bettors believe Brady’s grappling skills will take him to a decision victory. Muhammad may have set a blueprint for defeating Edwards by mixing up striking and grappling, keeping a high pace throughout the fight. However, this strategy
didn’t work for Colby Covington
, who was defeated by Edwards in his second title defence.
For the co-main event, a light heavyweight clash between former champion Jan Blachowicz and rising star Carlos Ulberg, the odds are:
- Jan Blachowicz: +240 underdog
- Carlos Ulberg: -298 favorite
Ulberg’s status as the favorite reflects his impressive winning streak and striking abilities. Blachowicz has spent a lot of time away from the sport, and he is 42 years old; however, his last two losses were against the current and former champion, both of which were very close fights.
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UFC London Fight Analysis
Predictions For The Biggest Fights On The Card
Edwards is known for his precision striking, tactical approach, and ability to adapt during fights. However, his previous bout exposed
vulnerabilities against high-pressure grapplers
. Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping emphasized the importance of Edwards adopting a more aggressive strategy, avoiding defensive mistakes like backing up against the fence, which cost him in his last fight.
Brady’s game plan revolves around his exceptional grappling and wrestling skills. He averages 3.49 takedowns per fight with a 52% accuracy rate, complemented by an 85% takedown defense. His ability to control opponents on the ground and seek submissions makes him a formidable adversary for any striker.
Prediction: Leon Edwards has shown elite wrestling defense and his performance against Belal was an exception. Therefore, I will give him the benefit of the doubt that the fight being scheduled in the early hours of the morning in the UK affected his performance. Leon Edwards by unanimous decision or late stoppage.
Co-Main Event Analysis
The co-main event features a light heavyweight clash between former champion Jan Blachowicz and rising star Carlos Ulberg. Blachowicz, known for his “Polish Power,” aims to reassert his dominance in the division. Ulberg, riding a seven-fight winning streak, seeks to establish himself as a top contender. Analysts are split, with some favoring Blachowicz’s experience and others pointing to Ulberg’s momentum and finishing ability.
Prediction: Ulberg is yet to step in the octagon against a fighter of Blachowicz’s caliber. Despite his age, the Polish star is far from washed if we go by his last two performances, which were a controversial loss to Alex Periera and a draw with the reigning champion Magomed Ankalaev. Jan Blachowicz by knockout.