In a single punch, Darren Till saw his 2019 flash before his eyes. It was meant to be a stunning return to the winning column for Till, but Jorge Masvidal upset the local hero with an overhand left.
The loss is the second in a row in his career, while Masvidal caused more drama after his stoppage by attacking Leon Edwards backstage.
UFC London never fails to deliver controversy and excitement, and on a night where we saw knockouts, split decisions and questionable stoppages, here are five things we learned.
Masvidal vs Edwards the fight to make
On a night when Ben Askren was sitting cageside hoping to challenge Till after the main event, Masvidal is now on a collision course with Edwards. A backstage brawl saw Masvidal aim several punches at Edwards. Edwards was also gunning for Till, but Rocky will have his sights firmly set on getting the chance to respond to Masvidal inside the octagon. The question is though, when? Considering Masvidal now faces a ban after a seemingly unprovoked attack.
MORE: Jorge Masvidal attacks Leon Edwards backstage at UFC London during live interview
Gorilla’s greatest strength also his greatest weakness
Till delivered on his promise to throw down with Masvidal, but came unstuck in the thrilling firefight. Till was aggressive and entertaining, but his tunnel vision cost him as Masvidal rode the early onslaught and found his rhythm. Till is the supreme entertainer, but his taste for stand-offs will see the Liverpudlian hit the canvas more than he would like.
MORE: Jorge Masvidal scores stunning knockout against Darren Till in London
Bonecrusher turns corner at the death
Marc Diakiese proved his time in the UFC is far from done after a dominant display against Joe Duffy. Diakiese was superb on the feet and on the ground, as he showed off his entire arsenal. Diakiese looked every inch of the man fighting to preserve his livelihood, but also a fighter who has much more to give. The incredible improvement to snap his three-fight losing streak hints Diakiese is stronger for the set-backs.
MORE: Marc Diakiese breaks down in tears after victory at UFC London
‘Meatball’ McCann is made of steel
After suffering heartbreak in her UFC debut in Liverpool, Molly McCann bounced back to make history in London. The first female English fighter to win in the octagon, McCann demonstrated a unique warrior spirit. An eye injury in the third round meant McCann had to fight the last round blind in one eye. The Liverpudlian can officially stake her claim as the toughest meatball in England.
MORE: Molly McCann first female English MMA fighter to claim UFC victory
Bisping is still king
The UFC confirmed Bisping is officially a Hall of Famer. This was the first London fight night since Bisping’s retirement and the former champion got a monster ovation from the O2 crowd. While Till and the rest of the British contingent hope to reach the same heights as the trailblazer, Bisping’s reception proves his successors have some way to go before they can count themselves equal to the Count.
