Blaydes and Aspinall lead UFC London this Saturday, in a crucial duel for the heavyweight division

C. Blaydes and Tom aspinall face each other after weighing the UFC London (Photo: Instagram/@ufc_brasil)

This Saturday afternoon (23), the Ultimate caravan arrives in the United Kingdom for the second time in the 2022 season. UFC London brings a crucial clash in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg) between Curtis blaydes e Tom aspinall, in addition to the presence of the star Paddy Pimblett, considered by many as the 'new Conor McGregor'. The Brazilian squad will be represented only by the veteran Claudius Hannibal, who faces the Danish Nicholas Dalby. The card has 14 fights scheduled and will be held at the traditional O2 Arena.

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Number four in the heavyweight division, Curtis Blaydes does not believe in a title fight if he wins at UFC London

Without unforeseen events, all athletes make weight and confirm 14 fights for UFC London

The main fight of UFC London brings sports fans a very important clash in the heavyweight division. The current numbers four and six in the ranking, Curtis blaydes e Tom aspinall measure forces in the octagon with an eye on a possible title fight in the future. With the category's scenario still undefined due to the champion's injury Francis Ngannou and a possible debut of Jon Jones, any triumph at the top of the rankings becomes even more important for those aiming for the world title.

Fourth place in the division ranking up to 120,2kg, Curtis blaydes He is enjoying a great moment in the organization with six wins in his last seven fights, two of which are consecutive. The American was already close to a title eliminator, but was knocked out by Derrick Lewis at the beginning of 2021. After that, 'Razor' beat Jairzinho Rosenstruik and Chris Daukas and established himself as a likely challenger.

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Considered one of the biggest prospects in the category. the English Tom aspinall will have the responsibility of leading another event in his homeland. When the UFC returned to London last March, the Brit didn't take notice of the Russian Alexander Volkov and beat him by submission in the first round. Since his debut in Ultimate in July 2020, the 29-year-old fighter has won all five of his fights by knockout or submission and is now sixth in the rankings.

The return of Paddy Pimblett

Considered by MMA fans as the 'New McGregor', Paddy Pimblett continues his journey in search of meeting the expectations generated by his talent. With two victories in two fights in the organization, over Luigi Vendramini e Rodrigo vargas, the English fighter faces the North American Jordan Leavitt, who minimized his 'hype' in an interview during the week. At the weigh-in that took place last Friday (21), the prospect starred in a regrettable scene when he showed his buttocks to journalists present at the O2 Arena.

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Tasked with the difficult mission of stopping Pimblett's 'hype', Jordan Leavitt He is trying to continue his good run in Ultimate, where he has won three of his last four fights and, to do so, he will also have to face an arena full of passionate fans who will cheer for Paddy during the event.

Brazil in the octagon

In the first fight of the event, Claúdio Hannibal from Mato Grosso will be the only athlete from the Brazilian squad present at the O2 Arena, in London. Coming from two consecutive defeats, the 39-year-old veteran returns after 14 months away from the Octagon due to an injury and needs to beat the Dane Nicholas Dalby, so as not to run the risk of being fired by the organization.