The UFC returns to London on March 22, 2025, featuring a welterweight showdown between former champion Leon Edwards and rising contender Sean Brady. This main event at The O₂ Arena promises high stakes and electrifying action, as both fighters aim to position themselves for a title shot in the competitive welterweight division.
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady Preview
Leon “Rocky” Edwards (22-4-0) is a seasoned veteran known for his technical striking and well-rounded skill set. After capturing the welterweight title in 2022, Edwards faced a setback in July 2024, losing the belt to Belal Muhammad at UFC Manchester. The bout’s early morning schedule, designed for American audiences, was a point of contention for Edwards, who felt it impacted his performance. Emphasizing the importance of fighting at a normal time, Edwards is eager to showcase his true potential in front of his home crowd in London.
Edwards’ fighting style is characterized by precise striking, effective clinch work, and solid takedown defense. His ability to adapt to opponents’ strategies has been a cornerstone of his success. Notable victories over elite competitors have cemented his status as a top contender in the division.
Sean Brady (17-1-0) is a formidable grappler with a relentless approach. After suffering his first professional loss to Belal Muhammad in October 2022, Brady rebounded with impressive wins over Kelvin Gastelum and former title challenger Gilbert Burns, the latter in September 2024. These victories have propelled him into the upper echelon of the welterweight division.
Brady’s strengths lie in his wrestling and submission skills. He consistently pressures opponents, seeking to control them on the ground and capitalize on any openings for submissions. His striking has also evolved, making him a more versatile threat inside the octagon.
Betting Insights
The betting landscape for this matchup is intriguing, reflecting the fighters’ recent performances and skill sets. As of March 16, 2025, the odds from Sportzino are as follows:
- Leon Edwards: +145
- Sean Brady: -175
These odds suggest that Brady is the slight favorite, with an implied probability of approximately 63.64%, while Edwards has an implied probability of 40.82%. Bettors might find value in Edwards as an underdog, considering his experience and previous championship status.
Leon Edwards vs Sean Brady Prediction
Leon Edwards (+145) over Sean Brady
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- Edwards should be better than what we saw in his last fight thanks to a start time more suited to his liking.
- Edwards is fighting on home soil here and will have the full support of the London crowd.
This contest presents a classic striker versus grappler scenario. Edwards’ striking accuracy and defensive prowess will be tested against Brady’s aggressive wrestling and ground control.
For Edwards to secure victory, he must utilize his reach advantage and maintain distance, employing lateral movement to thwart Brady’s takedown attempts. Effective use of jabs and leg kicks can disrupt Brady’s rhythm and discourage his forward pressure.
Conversely, Brady’s path to success hinges on closing the distance and initiating clinches against the cage. From there, he can work for takedowns and assert his dominance on the mat. Sustaining top control and threatening with submissions will be crucial to neutralize Edwards’ striking threat.
Considering both fighters’ attributes and recent performances, the prediction leans toward a closely contested bout. However, Edwards’ experience in five-round fights and his technical striking may provide him with a slight edge. If he can effectively defend against Brady’s takedowns and keep the fight standing, Edwards has a favorable chance to outpoint Brady over the course of five rounds.
Prediction: Leon Edwards wins by unanimous decision.
