The UFC returns to London with a high-stakes welterweight showdown as former champion Leon Edwards takes on rising contender Sean Brady in the main event of UFC Fight Night 255.
Leon Edwards (22-4, 1 NC) – #1 Welterweight Contender
Edwards, the former welterweight champion, is making his return after losing his title to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. Before that, "Rocky" had built one of the most impressive resumes in the division, including back-to-back wins over Kamaru Usman and a dominant performance against Colby Covington.
A well-rounded fighter with elite striking, technical grappling, and excellent fight IQ, Edwards thrives in extended fights where he can dictate range and control the pace. However, after suffering his first loss in years, how he rebounds mentally will be a key factor.
Leon Edwards – Last Five Fights
❌ Loss – Belal Muhammad (Decision) – UFC 304, July 27, 2024
✅ Win – Colby Covington (Decision) – UFC 296, December 16, 2023
✅ Win – Kamaru Usman (Majority Decision) – UFC 286, March 18, 2023
✅ Win – Kamaru Usman (KO – Head Kick) – UFC 278, August 20, 2022
✅ Win – Nate Diaz (Decision) – UFC 263, June 12, 2021
Sean Brady (17-1) – #5 Welterweight Contender
Brady is a grappling specialist known for his suffocating top control and dangerous submission game. Since his lone career loss to Belal Muhammad, he has bounced back impressively with wins over Kelvin Gastelum and Gilbert Burns. With an elite ground game and improved striking, Brady has all the tools to challenge the top of the division.
The question for Brady is whether he can close the distance and impose his grappling against a fighter as defensively sound as Edwards.
Sean Brady – Last Five Fights
✅ Win – Gilbert Burns (Decision) – UFC Fight Night, September 7, 2024
✅ Win – Kelvin Gastelum (Submission) – UFC on ESPN, December 2, 2023
❌ Loss – Belal Muhammad (TKO) – UFC 280, October 22, 2022
✅ Win – Michael Chiesa (Decision) – UFC Fight Night, November 20, 2021
✅ Win – Jake Matthews (Submission) – UFC 259, March 6, 2021
Fight Breakdown
This matchup presents an intriguing stylistic clash between Edwards’ striking precision and Brady’s grappling-heavy approach. Edwards is known for his elite boxing, sharp counterpunching, and calculated kickboxing, which have been the foundation of his success against top-tier opponents like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington. His ability to control distance and dictate the pace of fights makes him one of the most difficult fighters to engage in prolonged striking exchanges. However, his recent loss to Belal Muhammad exposed some vulnerabilities against pressure-heavy fighters with strong wrestling.
Brady, on the other hand, is a grappling specialist with elite wrestling and submission skills. His dominant performances against Gilbert Burns and Kelvin Gastelum showcased his ability to take down and control high-level opponents. However, Brady has struggled against top-tier strikers who can defend takedowns, as seen in his TKO loss to Belal Muhammad. The key for Brady will be closing the distance without taking too much damage on the feet. If he can secure early takedowns, he could put Edwards in uncomfortable positions.
Cardio and experience will also play a crucial role in this five-round bout. Edwards has gone the full five rounds multiple times against elite competition, whereas Brady has been in a championship-length fight only once in the UFC. If the fight extends into the later rounds, Edwards’ superior conditioning and striking volume could overwhelm Brady.
Prediction:
Brady’s best path to victory is through relentless takedowns and top control, but Edwards has proven time and time again that he can handle strong wrestlers. With excellent takedown defense and the ability to make reads throughout a fight, Edwards should be able to keep the fight standing and pick apart Brady with precise striking. As Brady begins to slow down in the later rounds, Edwards will find his openings and likely secure a late stoppage.
Leon Edwards via TKO (Round 4).
