British contingent continues to flourish in the UFC
Founded in 1993, it’s fair to say the UFC has become a global name. These days, fans all around the world are gearing up for UFC 309. When looking at the UK market, though, British fans haven’t always taken to the promotion, although that has certainly changed in more recent times thanks to fighters like Michael Bisping.
There are some other notable British names who are looking to replicate the successes of Bisping, with many fighters from the UK making their way into the sport today. For fans from the United Kingdom, these exciting athletes have enabled them to get closer to what is a rapidly growing sport. UK fans have attended numerous UFC events in their numbers, they watch interviews, they spark debate on social media, UFC betting is a preference for many, and they’re a passionate population of UFC fans. In fact, for many UFC fighters, there isn’t a better crowd on offer than in the UK.
With the UFC now gaining traction in the UK, there are some fighters who deserve credit for the eyes they’re bringing to the sport in that part of the world. While Michael Bisping is one of the original faces of the UK MMA scene, there are a number of UK-based fighters who are doing similar and could eventually achieve more than a fighter who was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019. Let’s take a brief look at some of them below.
Leon Edwards
Kicking things off with arguably the UK’s most successful fighter right now, Leon Edwards will be hoping to rediscover a winning formula after his shock defeat to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in Manchester. Edwards has been a remarkable journey to the very top of the sport, though. He openly admits that he’d probably be in jail or dead if it wasn’t for the discipline that MMA has taught him, and the Jamaica-born fighter has clearly used his MMA education to be the best version of himself. His defeat to Muhammad rocked the UK MMA scene, but Edwards has already achieved so much against the odds. For starters, it took Edwards just four years to catch the eye of Dana White, with the former champion showcasing his immense ability when he put Kamaru Usman to sleep with one of the best knockouts ever seen in UFC 278. It’s fair to say that Usman, a legendary fighter in his own right, hasn’t been the same since. Edwards did that to him, while also being a consummate professional along the way. He has already achieved so much in the Octagon and don’t be surprised if he comes again either. After all, his mental toughness is clear to see given the obstacles he’s had to overcome to make it in the sport.
Arnold Allen
After recent losses to Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev, Arnold Allen will be desperate to get his UFC career back on track after seeing off Giga Chikadze at UFC 304. An entertaining fighter to watch, Allen is also a likable personality who has a number of fans outside of the UK in his corner. The featherweight fighter has already made history after achieving one of the longest win streaks in UFC history and he will be desperate to find his rhythm again after defeating Chikadze in Manchester. Since joining the promotion in 2015, Allen has recorded some notable wins, although his biggest victory to date is probably against Dan Hooker. The Brit knocked out the Kiwi in the first round of UFC Fight Night 204 and won performance of the night in the process. Since then, Allen has earned himself the reputation of being a dangerous opponent, with his ability to adjust to his opponents in the Octagon enabling him to succeed during his various match-ups. Whether or not Arnold Allen can become a champion one day is tough to call, but he certainly has the ability to keep on progressing, and he will never be an easy opponent for any fighter.
Tom Aspinall
While Jon Jones fans might be sick of hearing about Tom Aspinall’s clear potential, there is no denying just how special the skillful fighter is. The current Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion doesn’t need to beat Jones to prove his credentials, particularly given some of the devastating knockouts Aspinall has already delivered. The former rugby player who has links to the Fury family is as talented as they come, with his father Andy training him from the very beginning. Not only does Aspinall possess explosive power in his hands, but his father’s input has enabled him to master Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Aspinall dominated in the Cage Warriors before being signed to the UFC in 2020. Since then, he has established himself as one of the sport’s most exciting prospects after seeing the likes of Andrei Arlovski, Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura, Sergei Pavlovich, and Curtis Blaydes in style. Jon Jones could be next for Aspinall, although the legendary fighter might not want to risk tainting his legacy against such a dangerous man.
Paddy Pimblett
It’s fair to say Paddy Pimblett probably isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s impossible to ignore the impact he’s making in the sport. The proud Liverpudlian discovered MMA after a turbulent period as a youngster, with Next Generation MMA being credited for his education in mixed martial arts. Pimblett is a natural, with his decade-long career in Cage Warriors resulting in him becoming a Featherweight Champion before the UFC came calling and eventually secured his signature in 2021. After signing for the UFC, Pimblett has won all of his fights, with his biggest victory to date coming fairly recently against King Green at UFC 304. Tougher tests await Pimblett in a stacked division, but he’s now ranked and appears to fear absolutely no one. One thing’s for sure: people all around the world will tune in to watch Paddy Pimblett fight in the future.