UFC London 2022 LIVE results: Paddy Pimblett and Tom Aspinall secure statement wins
Re-live round-by-round updates from a monumental night for UK MMA
There must have been something in the air at the O2 Arena on Saturday night, where UFC London marked perhaps the most significant night in the history of UK mixed martial arts. Of the 12 bouts scheduled for the first edition of the event since 2019, 10 featured British fighters. Seven of those combatants were victorious in the English capital, with six winning via stoppage. Five of those finishes came in the first round, while the other was an early contender for knockout of the year.
In the main event on Saturday, Wigan heavyweight Tom Aspinall made a mockery of Alexander Volkov’s vast advantages in experience and height, submitting the Russian with a straight arm lock in the first round after exhibiting sharp skills in striking exchanges, too. Aspinall’s victory followed a co-main event that many had predicted would be fight of the night, and indeed the featherweight clash between Arnold Allen and Dan Hooker delivered in the brief period that it lasted. After a chaotic opening few phases, Ipswich fighter Allen announced himself to the world by securing a TKO victory over fan favourite Dan Hooker in the first round, forcing the referee to step in by melting the New Zealander with a fierce flurry of punches against the fence.
Allen’s win followed the people’s main event, which saw rising star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett bewitch those present at the O2 Arena. After the 27-year-old’s captivating walkout, the atmosphere felt like that of a title fight. The Liverpudlian lightweight was knocked down by Rodrigo Vargas almost immediately, but he rallied to take down the Mexican and submit him with a rear naked choke later in the first round. Earlier in the night, Pimblett’s friend Molly McCann produced a knockout of the year contender with a spinning back elbow finish of Luana Carolina.
Re-live updates from the UFC London prelims and main card, below.
UFC London 2022 LIVE
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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