UFC touches down in London for the second time this year on Saturday. After delivering big on their last trip to the English capital. The expectations are higher than ever for a UK fight night to produce the goods. With another stacked card, UFC London is looking in great shape to once again provide fans with one of the events of the year.
Here we will take a look at the prelims and preview the fights. From key areas for each fighter as well as paths to victory. We won’t be predicting any fights, but tell you who is who and give a fair account of their abilities in the cage.
The Preliminary Card
The prelims currently feature eight fights. They are as follows. Fighters representing the UK or Ireland will be in bold.
Mason Jones vs Ludovit Klein
Marc Diakiese vs Damir Hadzovic
Nathaniel Wood vs Charles Rosa
Makwan Amirkhani vs Jonathan Pearce
Muhammad Mokaev vs Charles Johnson
Jai Herbert vs Kyle Nelson
Victoria Leonard vs Mandy Bohm
Claudio Silva vs Nicolas Dalby
Fight 1: Claudio Silva vs Nicolas Dalby
Claudio Silva
Brazilian-born, he made his way over to the UK and made it his second home. Until recently, fighting out of the UK, Claudio Silva has been a regular on these cards and at welterweight. Now 39, he is considered an elder statesman of the 170 lbs division. He is not as active as he would like to be due to a string of unfortunate injuries. On a two-fight skid, he’ll be looking to bounce back in front of a familiar crowd.
Before his losses, he was riding an unbelievable 14-fight winning streak (five UFC). Now with a record of 14-3. He is most well known for his submission abilities, holding nine wins by way of that method. A tough and crafty veteran, he’ll snatch a limb at any given opportunity.
Nicolas Dalby
His opponent will be Denmark’s, Nicolas Dalby. Leaving the promotion after a four-fight stint in 2016. He returned with a bang after impressing in Cage Warriors. Since his comeback in 2019, he has gone 2-1 1 NC. At 37, he has seen a lot in the sport and uses all the tricks up his experienced sleeves to his advantage.
19-4-1 (2 NC) as a professional, he has faced some of the very best. A highlighted name in his resume would be a draw with now middleweight contender Darren Till back in 2015. Strong all over, Dalby excels in his offensive grappling, using it to control his opponents and grind out a victory. Ten career wins via finish he has six KO/TKO’s and four submissions to his name.
Two well-rounded welterweights this fight could be a grappling masterclass, a wrestling match or a stand-up banger. Both need to make a statement after coming off a loss. Also, nearing the end of their careers, this could be the start of their late push up the divisional rankings.
Fight 2: Victoria Leonard vs Mandy Bohm
Victoria Leonard
The American Victoria Leonard will come into UFC London on a two-fight losing streak. After making a winning appearance at DWCS. She has not yet delivered in the company. Potentially fighting for her UFC career, Leonard’s first two opponents have since shown their talent and she wants to join them.
Looking to show the fans what got her to the dance, she used her ground game to rack up four submission victories. Competing for several US promotions, including Invicta and Bellator. She has an overall record of 8-4.
Mandy Bohm
Mandy Bohm won’t have as far to travel as her opponent. Fighting out of and representing Germany. Also, coming off of a loss, her overall form is much better. One fight into her UFC stint, she looks to put her last outing in the rearview mirror and start the winning streak, which saw her arrive undefeated.
7-1 as a professional. She quietly put together an impressive resume before her 2021 debut. With finishes via both KO and submission with two each. She can mix up her attacks well and keep her opponents guessing.
This fight might surprise a few with both trying to earn that first UFC win. The pressure is on for Victoria, who, with a loss, will move to 0-3. Pressure makes diamonds, so we might see an explosive fight as she gives her all to gain the win.
Fight 3: Jai Herbert vs Kyle Nelson
Jai Herbert
The Black Country Banger Jai Herbert has had one of the toughest starts to the UFC possible. Looking to show the UFC London crowd what he’s all about. Expect a fired-up Jai. Recently signing a new four-fight deal. The 34-year-old lightweight will be making sure he puts on a signature performance.
11-4 as a professional, three of those losses have come in the UFC against elite competition. But don’t count Herbert out just because of a few losses. Banger by name banger by nature. He has seen 10 of his 11 wins come within the distance. Nine of which have been at the hands of strikes. A long and talented striker he is always dangerous and will be looking to produce a highlight KO.
Kyle Nelson
Across the cage will be Canada’s, Kyle Nelson. Kyle comes in as the shorter man. He has made most of his UFC appearances at featherweight but has bounced between both feather and lightweight throughout his career. Also facing an incredibly tough start to the promotion, currently 1-3. This will be a do-or-die fight for the 31-year-old.
A well-rounded mixed martial artist who does everything well. His current record sits at 13-4. Nine wins via way of finish, he boasts five KO/TKO’s and four submissions to his name. Solid all over, he will provide a tough test for Jai despite coming up a weight class.
In a fight with a lot on the line, these two men will be going to war at UFC London. With a combined 19 finishes, this could be a short one. Each man will have an advantage. Jai is the more clinical striker, and Kyle is the better grappler. Expect each to try and force their will on the other and keep the fight in their domain.
Fight 4: Muhammad Mokaev vs Charles Johnson
Muhammad Mokaev
Coming to the UK as a youth. Muhammad now proudly represents the nation that helped form him as a man and a fighter. Entering the UFC with a lot of hype. He showed the world why. Stopping Cody Durden in less than a minute at UFC London in March. One of the hottest prospects in not just UK MMA but MMA as a whole.
At 21, he has high aspersions and wants to become the youngest UFC champion of all time. With a combined record of 28-0 as both an amateur and professional, he has all the talent in the world. 6-0 as a pro, he has shown his elite grappling ability in his career so far. Of his six wins, four have been finishes, usually due to control, leading to the submission or a ground and pound finish.
Charles Johnson
Stepping into the proverbial lion’s den will be Charles Johnson. An American, he will be making his UFC debut by stepping into enemy territory. At 31, he enters what many believe to be the sports prime age and looks to pull what many consider to be upset.
11-2 as a pro. Charles comes into this fight as an unknown quantity to many UFC fans. Coming into this fight off the back of a four-fight winning streak, three finishes. He has also competed in the boxing ring with mixed success. A finisher, he has an equal amount of submissions and KO/TKOs with four a piece.
With one looking to build on the hype and set his meteoric rise in motion. The other going for the upset and using his opponent’s hype to build his name. This isn’t as clear-cut as it may seem. Muhammad has shown why he is tipped to win but expects Charles to bring the fight, leading to this fight creating fireworks.
Fight 5: Makwan Amirkhani vs Jonathan Pearce
Makwan Amirkhani
Makwan Amirkhani is a name synonymous with the periphery of the featherweight top 15. A UFC mainstay, he has been competing for the company since 2015. Only 33, ”Mr Finland” has been in the cage against some of the best 145 has to offer.
Bouncing back after a three-fight skid last time out at UFC London, he hopes he can once again win in London. A record of 17-7 most losses to elite competition. His submission ability is up there with the very best in the world. Holding 13 finishes, with 12 coming by way of submission. So don’t let this man get your neck, or you’re going to sleep.
Jonathan Pearce
Taking on the Finish star is Jonathan Pearce. Coming into this fight on a roll. He currently finds himself on a three-fight winning streak. Looking to take out an established name and break into the top 15. At 30, there would be no better time for the American, and an impressive win might send him there.
Nicknamed JSP, after an MMA G.O.A.T GSP. There are similarities between their styles. A strong wrestler, he uses his superior grappling to wear down his opponents. Liking forcing the finish, which he has ten of. Eight by KO/TKO and two by submission.
A grappler vs grappler match-up. Makwan will use his to search for a limb, usually the neck, and force a submission. At the same time, Jonathan will tire out his opponent and grind them down with punches. With a clash of ground styles, they could cancel each other out and force this fight to be an all-stand-up affair.
Fight 6: Nathaniel Wood vs Charles Rosa
Nathaniel Wood
Wood will enter UFC London at a new weight. Formally a bantamweight, he decided to jump up to featherweight. A former Cage Warriors champion Nathaniel, entered the UFC with three wins. Going 1-2 in his last three, though, the 28-year-old hopes his move up in weight will help him refind the immense form that saw him enter the UFC.
17-5, his run in Cage Warriors goes down as one of the best in the company’s history. Boasting an impressive 14 finishes, he has shown his abilities in both his striking and grappling. With eight KO/TKOs and six submissions. Comfortable wherever the fight ends up, Wood has a well-rounded style that usually leads to exciting fights.
Charles Rosa
America’s Charles Rosa will welcome Wood to featherweight at UFC London. A UFC regular since 2014, this fight could turn Charles from just another name on the roster. He is not in his best form. He is 2-3 in his last five. A veteran of the game at 35. He’s one to never be counted out and has shown before why he’s competing at this level.
14-7, Charles always finds himself across from newer talent. With the UFC using Rosa as a measure for other competitors. He has lost some, he has won some, but he always gives it his all. A strong grappler of his 11 finishes, eight have been courtesy of submission. Not an easy fight Charles, is a great test to see if featherweight is for you.
Two competitors who can compete anywhere. Both have slight advantages. Wood holds his advantage in the striking. More crisp and clean in this department, expect Nathaniel to try and pick Rosa apart. Charles will be looking to impose his grappling and will do so at a frantic pace. A chance for Nathaniel to make a statement on his featherweight arrival, look out for this one.
Fight 7: Marc Diakiese vs Damir Hadzovic
Marc Diakiese
Diakiese has been in the UFC for what seems like ages. Making his debut in 2016, he is somehow still only 29. Someone who has always been considered a prospect, Marc has some of the best striking in the lightweight division. Coming into this fight off the back of a grappling dominant win. Marc looks to put it all together on Saturday and move away from being a prospect to a contender.
As previously mentioned, Marc is known primarily for his striking. Tremendously fast, throwing plenty of kicks, he’s very fan friendly and usually ends up in a banger. He surprised almost everyone last time out when he wrestled his way to a decision. Showing his evolution as a fighter. 15-5 as a pro, losing only to UFC competition. He has learnt a lot in his career. One that has seen him earn seven finishes, six by KO/TKO.
Damir Hadzovic
The Bosnian Damir has had a mixed run in the UFC since his 2016 debut. Putting his name on the map competing for Cage Warriors, he will feel right at home competing in front of a London crowd. He is looking to move into the later stages of his career and make a push up the ladder towards the belt. At 35, this fight seems like a big one for Hadzovic.
14-6 as a professional. Damir has competed against some great lightweights. However, he has never found that form that has taken him to the next level. He likes to do work on the feet but can just as well mix it up on the ground. Finishing seven via KO/TKO and three by submission, he was a very dangerous opponent.
A smart decision from the matchmakers. Each man needs someone to bring the best out of them, and this fight is just that. Marc being the prolific striker, expect him to use his kicks and speed to his advantage. Damir will try to make this fight ugly, getting in close to prevent Marc from finding his groove. A good solid fight between two men who want to land a statement win.
Fight 8: Mason Jones vs Ludovit Klein
Mason Jones
The most recent addition to the card. Mason stepped in on short notice to take this fight. At 27, the Mason Jones hype is real. Entering the UFC undefeated and off the back of Cage Warriors double champion status. He lost his debut. Bouncing back with a dominant performance before an accidental eye poke ruled the fight a no contest. He finally got his UFC win in a barn burner in October last year.
11-1 (1 NC) Jones has all the ability to go right to the top at lightweight. Proving his talent in Cage Warriors. He will try to show his abilities in front of a UK crowd at UFC London. A true mixed martial artist. You need to look no further than his David Onama fight to see it all on display. Four KO/TKOs and three submissions show that he has finishing power, both on the feet and mat. Looking to make his move for the top 15, Jones is ready for war and will dig as deep as necessary to come out on top.
Ludovit Klein
A late opponent change won’t phase the ever-game Slovakian. He has had four fights in the promotion, and all four have been very entertaining. Nicknames Mr Highlight, he delivers and provides quality viewing with his style, which blends both grappling and striking seamlessly.
2-2 in the UFC and 18-4 overall. He is killed or be killed in nature. Usually kill, he has an impressive 16 finishes to his name. Sharing equal part KO with submission with eight a piece. 27, Ludovit could produce another highlight against arguably his toughest test yet.
Two young lightweights compete. Expect the winner to begin their push towards the top 15. Both are extremely well-versed in all aspects. There isn’t much we can guarantee when it comes to this fight. However, one thing is for sure. It is going to be a brilliant fight. Neither man will settle for less than one hundred per cent. When they collide in the ring, it will be fireworks for all watching.
Fights to Watch
That’s all for the prelims, an underrated portion of the card with plenty of sleeper fights. We recommend you tune in and see the potential carnage live.
Three fights we’d recommend you watch out for are as follows
Jai Herbert vs Kyle Nelson
Muhammad Mokaev vs Charles Johnson
Mason Jones vs Ludovit Klein
Featured image credits to @btsportufc on Twitter
