Sean Brady delivered a statement performance at UFC London, submitting Leon Edwards in the fourth round of their welterweight clash. The American dominated throughout before sealing victory with a guillotine choke, handing Edwards his second consecutive defeat.
Brady, 32, controlled the contest with superior grappling, keeping the 33-year-old Briton on the back foot. Despite a promising start, Edwards struggled to assert himself, repeating the mistakes from his previous loss to Belal Muhammad in July.
"I took this fight the day I got out of the hospital with my wife and our newborn baby," Brady said post-fight. "I knew I could do that, and I think I belong in the top three for sure. Dana [White] gave me a wonderful opportunity to come out here. I love the UK fans, sorry I had to do that to your boy but lots of respect."
Brady was a late replacement for Australia's Jack Della Maddalena, who will now face Muhammad for the title at UFC 315 on 10 May.
Edwards had spoken of "owing the UK fans" a knockout but failed to impose himself. As the fight progressed, frustration grew in the crowd, with fans trickling out after three rounds. Brady’s corner sensed the momentum, telling him before the fourth round, "[Edwards] is broken."
Moments later, he secured the decisive submission, leaving Edwards dejected on the canvas.
The American also won the Performance of the Night bonus for his impressive display.
Brady’s victory marks his third straight win, pushing him into title contention, while Edwards faces an uncertain path. With rising contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and Michael 'Venom' Page vying for big fights, Edwards' route back to the belt remains unclear.
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