5 Fighters We Would Love to See at UFC London

Earlier this week, UFC President Dana White announced that the promotion would be making its long-awaited return to the UK this year. So, with an ever-growing population of British fighters on the roster here's five that we would love to see grace the Octagon in March.

Paddy Pimblett

After years of establishing himself as a cult hero of the British MMA regional MMA scene, Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett announced himself in front of a worldwide audience back in September when he made his UFC debut on the undercard of UFC Fight Night 191.

Facing off against UFC veteran Luigi Vendramini, Pimblett withstood everything The Italian Stallion had to offer before finishing the fight with an explosive first-round knockout that has propelled the former Cage Warriors star into the mainstream.

March's card will serve as the perfect litmus test for Pimblett's ever-growing star power. In front of a packed O2 Arena, Pimblett will be one of the most anticipated fights on the card regardless of who he is booked against.

Whilst the scouser has been linked with a fight with Donald Cerrone, such an experienced opponent is unlikely for Pimblett at this point, and it is looking likely that The Baddy's sophomore UFC appearance will instead see him face the 12-4 Mexican lightweight prospect, Rodrigo Vargas on home soil in March.

Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett - Top Finishes | Paddy Pimblett Highlights | FightNoose

Arnold Allen

One of the most unheralded fighters currently representing the UK in the world's top combat sports organisation, Arnold Allen has racked up a perfect 8-0 record inside the Octagon since making his UFC debut in 2015.

With wins over Mads Burnell, Gilbert Melendez, and Nik Lentz, Allen has quietly established himself as one of the most exciting talents at 145lbs, a division with no shortage of exciting matchups available.

Perhaps the only knock on Allen during his UFC stint has been his relative inactivity. Averaging just over one fight per year since entering the promotion, Allen has fought just once in the last two years, in a weight class that is constantly shifting.

A win over a fellow contender such as Josh Emmett in front of a home crowd would be the perfect way to reignite the momentum behind Allen, and start his journey towards title contention.

Arnold "Almighty" Allen - Highlights

Tom Aspinall

Facing off against longtime heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov in the main event of the UK's first UFC event since the start of the pandemic would be a daunting prospect for most fighters, but for Liverpool born heavyweight Tom Aspinall, it's just another day in the office.

After all, Aspinall practically grew up around combat sports, with his father serving as the BJJ coach for the Team Kaobon gym that has produced talents such as Paul Kelly, Darren Till, and Paul Sass.

After competing professionally in both MMA and boxing during his formative years as an athlete, Aspinall ultimately focused on fighting. After earning back-to-back finishes in Cage Warriors following his return from the squared circle, Aspinall signed with the UFC, and has since racked up four consecutive wins in the promotion, including a submission over former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski.

One of the most exciting prospects in a relatively shallow weight class, Aspinall is on a fast track to title contendership but will need to get past Volkov in front of his countrymen to continue on his collision course with Francis Ngannou.

3 Minutes of Tom Aspinall Destroying Heavyweights with His Distinct Speed Advantage

Molly McCann

A fan favourite from the moment she first stepped foot inside the Octagon, "Meatball" Molly McCann has endeared herself to fight fans everywhere thanks to her charisma combined with an all-action fighting style that saw her awarded Fight of the Night honours in her last outing, a win over Ji Yeon Kim.

With seven UFC fights now under her belt, McCann has shown significant improvements recently, particularly in her boxing, and will be looking for an opponent that could launch her into the top 15.

The former Cage Warriors Women's Flyweight Champion is one of the most beloved female fighters currently on the UFC's roster, and a UK vs UK showdown with longtime 125lb contender Joanne Wood would be a great way to assess both fighters' respective positions in the division.

"Meatball" Molly Mccann - Career Highlights HD 2020 #mollymccann

Darren Till

Unquestionably the face of British MMA since the retirement of Michael Bisping back in 2018, Darren Till against anyone in the UFC's 185lbs division would be a perfect main event for the promotion's return to The Big Smoke.

Though his undying love from fans hasn't changed, Till has endured mixed fortunes since making the move up to the middleweight after losing to Tyron Woodley in his as yet only shot at UFC gold.

Most recently, Till was defeated by longtime contender Derek Brunson back in September, a fight that showed glimpses of the Gorilla's potential but ultimately ended after Brunson secured a rear-naked-choke in the third round.

Despite struggling with injuries since his last Octagon appearance, Till has been rumoured to be facing knockout artist Uriah Hall at the London event. Unlike some of his recent opponents who have attempted to capitalise on Till's weaknesses in the grappling department, if the fight with Hall goes ahead it would be sure to provide a striking slugfest to the delight of the UK fans.

While Till's presence on the card is still up in the air, one thing is for sure: fight fans across the UK will be watching when he does make his return.

Darren Till - HIGHLIGHTS 2020 [HD]