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UFC Returning For Second London Show Of The Year In July

UFC Returning For Second London Show Of The Year In July

The UFC will be returning to the 02 Arena and it could be the same night that Anthony Joshua fights Oleksandr Usyk for the second time.

UFC are set to return to London this summer, and it could be going up against Anthony Joshua's world heavyweight title rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Dana White brought UFC back to England for the first time in three years, when they put on a show at the 02 Arena back in March.

The last time the company had held an event in the UK was in 2019, when Jorge Masvidal defeated Darren Till so their comeback in March this year was a big deal.

Paddy 'the baddy' Pimblett and Molly McCann were in action, with McCann landing a brilliant elbow to finish her fight with Luana Carolina.

Now the company have announced that they will be returning to the 02 on July 23rd, which will be the first time they've put on two events in London in the same year.

Whilst it's exciting news for fight fans in this country, there is a possibility that it will clash with Joshua's attempts to reclaim the world titles and mean people having to make a choice between which to watch.

AJ lost his titles to Usyk in September last year and instantly hinted at wanting a rematch with his Ukrainian rival, but the invasion from Russia did put some doubt in that happening.

The world champion initially joined the fight against the invading country but was then given permission to leave and get ready for his world title rematch.

Usyk and Joshua are set to meet again but no date is set. Image: PA Images
Usyk and Joshua are set to meet again but no date is set. Image: PA Images

The date of the second fight is yet to be confirmed but the expectation is that it will be on July 23rd, although it could be in Saudi Arabia, meaning no clash of location with UFC.

As well as Pimblett and McCann, the show in March also showcased Arnold Allen and Tom Aspinall in the biggest fights of their careers so far.

Both the main event and co-main went the way of the British fighters, who also saw Muhammad Mokaev win on his debut in the promotion and Scotland's Paul Craig also won.

Alongside those who fought last time out in London, the likes of Till and Leon Edwards could appear at the 02 in July, with the company currently having their strongest roster of UK fighters in terms of depth.

Aspinall celebrates his win in London. Image: PA Images
Aspinall celebrates his win in London. Image: PA Images

Maybe one day British fans will be able to add Tyson Fury to their list of favourite British MMA fighters, after the boxer confirmed he'd be fighting Francis Ngannou next year.

For now they'll have to enjoy a night of watching their current stars in London.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UFC, MMA, Boxing, Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Paddy Pimblett