Sean Brady Dominates Former Champion
The UFC returns to London for UFC Fight Night 254. The main event is a highly anticipated matchup between former Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards and rising contender Sean Brady. It’s a contrast of styles that will be very interesting to see whose style prevails. There’s much on the line as either fighter could state their claim to a title shot with an impressive win. Both fighters have already lost to the current champion, Belal Muhammad, so they are hungry to get that loss back. I will recap the entire main event and what should be next in line for both fighters moving forward.
Both fighters come out aggressive, trying to hold the center of the octagon. Leon looks quick and on point. Brady has been doing some nice work in the clinch, landing some knees and uppercuts. Brady keeps going forward, whether he is getting countered or landing his combinations. Brady lands a smooth trip takedown to end a close round one. Brady comes out aggressive, looking for a takedown, and is able to land one early in round two. Brady is able to get Leon’s back and get both hooks in as he tries to secure a rear-naked choke. Leon defended it well, and now Brady is trying to lock in a kimura. A dominating round two for Brady that could potentially be a 10-8 round. To start round three, Leon landed a nice uppercut but tried to shoot and gave Brady a takedown. Brady is landing big shots on the ground. Leon is getting flattened out but defensively staying in the fight. Brady’s control is a nightmare to deal with. Brady is up three rounds to nothing as we enter round four. Brady walked Leon down to start round four, landing nice shots, and was able to use those to land a takedown. He transitioned to top mount and was able to lock in his single arm guillotine to submit Leon Edwards in round four.
This was an impressive complete performance from Sean Brady. He was able to use his improved striking to set up his takedowns, and once this fight got to the ground, it was whatever, whenever he wanted. Starting Monday, he should be ranked number one in the world and should be next in line to rematch Belal Muhammad for the Welterweight Championship. Leon looked crisp and fast on the feet, but he was not able to stop Brady’s overwhelming pressure and grappling ability. I think it's only fair for him to be matched up with Ian Garry in his next fight. Garry likes to strike just as much as Leon, and it would be a chance for him to get his confidence back, potentially. We will see what Dana White and his crew decide to do moving forward for both fighters.
