UFC London 2023 LIVE: Paul Craig in action after Fares Ziam beats Jai Herbert
Ciryl Gane reveals the most important coaching tip he ignored in the Jon Jones loss
The UFC returns to London tonight as Tom Aspinall seeks to right the wrongs of his last appearance at the O2 Arena.
The Wigan heavyweight meets Marcin Tybura in tonight’s main event, almost exactly a year after his ill-fated clash with Curtis Blaydes, which ended after 15 seconds when Aspinall suffered a knee injury. Aspinall, 30, meanwhile has undergone surgery and claims he is now better than ever and he will look to prove that against Poland’s 37-year-old Tybura.
In the co-main event, fan favorite “Meatball” Molly McCann takes on Julija Stoliarenko, with the Liverpool strawweight aiming to get back to winning ways. In her last fight, 33-year-old McCann was defeated by Erin Blanchfield in the first round in November.
McCann’s close friend Paddy Pimblett will be in the crowd to cheer them on and watch the contests, which will probably be entertaining Indian sportss pick for fight of the night: Nathaniel Wood, the only London fighter on the card, vs. Andre Fili at featherweight.
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UFC London 2023 LIVE: Wood vs. Fili
Next comes this Indian sports Choose the fight of the night.
The only London fighter on this map, Nathaniel Wood, takes on Andre “Touchy” Fili (best nickname in the UFC).
This will be held in featherweight.
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 10:01 p.m
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs. Muniz
Paul Craig defeated. Andre Muniz via TKO in the second round (punches and elbows, 4:40).
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 21:56
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs. Muniz
Craig is now in half cover and catching some punches. But wait… The referee stops the fight and separates the athletes…
A replay features a nasty headbutt from Muniz! He was warned about it.
We’re back on the road and Craig takes down his opponent with a fierce takedown! Muniz immediately goes to work on an armlock… but Craig falters and ends up in side control!
Craig attempts a D’Arce but Muniz gets free and the Scot opts for some elbows instead. Now Craig is in the saddle and raining down punches!
He adds a few more elbows and forces the break!! WOW!
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 21:53
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs. Muniz
Craig with some offensive grappling! He gets a bodylock takedown and lands in half cover.
He then decides to stand up, but he concedes an upkick! The Scot is undeterred but gets caught in a triangle attempt as he dives after Muniz…
Craig throws hammer fists with his free hand, retreats, and finally escapes the grip!
A scuffle ensues and Muniz is in Craig’s cover.
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 21:50
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs. Muniz
Craig leans back to avoid a high kick, then delivers a body kick to Muniz. And another! Then he gives the Brazilian a nice punch to stun him a bit.
Craig moves well and looks light on his feet. However, he now eats a headbutt. Craig shoots back with a body kick and then does a side kick to the thigh – not quite an oblique kick.
Both men narrowly miss with punches, then Muniz intercepts a kick but Craig parries! Muniz hangs around down there and manages a few body shots as well.
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 21:47
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs. Muniz
Muniz is on the southpaw. Craig, orthodox, hits the Brazilian with a kick in the middle of the body.
Another body kick from Craig who then checks a low kick. Now Muniz fires a kick to the body.
Muniz attempts a high kick but misses, then body kicks Craig. However, he soon lets go.
Front kick from Craig in the ribs, who then deflects a few jabs. Now, however, the Scot concedes a trio of direct punches as Muniz steps forward.
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 21:44
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Craig vs. Muniz
Next up is Scotland’s Paul Craig, relegated to middleweight where he will face off against Brazilian Andre Muniz.
Lots of boos for Muniz as he takes his walk! Then kudos to Craig!
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 21:38
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs. Ziam
Fares Ziam def. Jai Herbert by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27).
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 21:34
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs. Ziam
The pattern of combat continues, with Herbert pinning Ziam against the fence but struggling to advance position; The Frenchman’s defense was really good.
Ziam almost secures a trip, but Herbert is recovering well. The fighters move back to the fence where Herbert now lands a fall. AGAIN the lightweights stand before swapping positions on the cage wall.
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 9:30 p.m
UFC London 2023 LIVE: Herbert vs. Ziam
Brilliant elbow from Ziam’s counterattack! Then he scores with the push.
Herbert pushes the French against the cage wall again. However, Ziam reverses position and gets a takedown!
A scuffle ensues and both fighters stand, with Murphy regaining control of the fence.
Alex PattleJuly 22, 2023 21:27
