UFC 286 will be held in London at the O2 Arena on March 18th, 2023! It has just been announced via BT Sport across social media:
Dana White teased the announcement on Chattin’ Pony, but did not confirm where it would be held. Fans had hoped that the UFC would secure a stadium to allow a much larger attendance, with Wembley or Tottenham’s stadium being touted. Unfortunately, this will not be the case.
Nonetheless, UK fans lucky enough to secure a ticket to this historic event will be treated to a stacked card. UFC 286 will headlined by Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3. The pair will look to decide their trilogy after Edwards won the belt in spectacular fashion at UFC 278.
No other fight confirmations have been made yet, but UFC President Dana White has promised something special:
The many excellent British fighters right now, so there is no doubt that the card will be stacked with homegrown talent. Paddy the Baddy, Molly McCann, Tom Aspinall, Mo Mokaev, and Paul Craig featured on both London cards in 2022. It would not be surprising to see them get the call up once more at UFC 286.
UFC Fighters React
The UK is renowned for producing an incredible atmosphere, so it’s no surprise that current UFC fighters had plenty to say on the announcement.
One fighter who will be hoping to feature is Arnold Allen. He put on a storming performance last time out at the O2.
Fans are in for a treat if Rafael Fiziev is fighting:
Given the UFC likes to have a back-up for title fights on the same card, it makes complete sense that Belal Muhammad would be packing his bags:
‘King’ Casey O’Neill teased a UFC London comeback some time ago:
He might not be signed to the UFC (yet), but rising Cage Warriors prospect Oban Elliot would put on a show, and bring plenty of fans:
Combat Sports UK will bring you all the latest news and fight announcements for UFC 286. Let us know what match ups you will be hoping to see!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
