Sean Brady made a significant impact by overpowering former champion Leon Edwards and submitting him with a guillotine choke in the main event of UFC London on Saturday.
Stepping in on short notice after Jack Della Maddalena was removed from the card for a title opportunity against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, Brady appeared to be the more prepared fighter. He consistently took Edwards to the ground and controlled him with superior grappling skills.
After three rounds of dominance, Brady secured a guillotine choke from the top position – a signature move. Edwards was unable to escape, and the fight concluded with a tap at 1:39 of the fourth round. This victory marks the most significant of Brady`s career and the first time Edwards has been finished.
“It feels incredible,” Brady expressed about his win. “Honestly, I accepted this fight the day after leaving the hospital with my wife and our newborn. I knew I was capable of this performance. I believe I can do this against anyone in the division. I demonstrated it against a recent prestigious champion. I think I deserve to be in the top three, or even number one.”
At the fight`s outset, Edwards displayed confidence in the clinch, landing short strikes on Brady. However, Brady`s persistent pressure led to a takedown late in the first round, although not enough time remained to capitalize.
Once Brady achieved that initial takedown, the fight shifted in his favor.
As the second round commenced, Brady aggressively engaged and quickly grounded Edwards. From there, Brady improved his position, taking Edwards` back and landing punches, potentially setting up submission attempts.
A scramble resulted in Brady gaining side control, attempting a kimura. While Edwards defended, Brady concluded the second round with ground and pound.
When the fight remained standing, Edwards attempted strikes, but a takedown attempt in the third round backfired. Brady secured a front headlock and proceeded to dominate Edwards on the ground with strikes and grappling control.
Brady relentlessly punished Edwards on the ground, leaving the former champion with no escape as time elapsed. Brady`s continued dominance allowed him to secure a guillotine choke and the submission from top position.
As pressure intensified, Edwards was forced to tap, granting Brady the victory and advancing him closer to title contention.
“I said all week I wasn’t thinking about rankings, but it’s pretty awesome knowing I’ll be ranked No. 1 on Monday or Tuesday,” Brady commented. “Whatever Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] decide, they gave me a fantastic opportunity. I appreciate all the UK fans, apologies for defeating your guy, nothing but respect. I’ll do whatever Hunter and Dana want next, but first, I’ll spend a couple of weeks relaxing at home with my wife and newborn.”
Brady`s future is uncertain, especially considering a previous loss to Muhammad. However, defeating a former champion like Edwards significantly elevates his position in the division. Whether he receives a title shot depends on the timing of Muhammad`s fight with Della Maddalena in May and Shavkat Rakhmonov`s status as another top contender.
