There’s been quite a bit of criticism aimed at the UFC London card since it was confirmed.
This Saturday, the UFC returns to the UK for another event in the capital, but this one doesn’t seem to have generated much excitement.
Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev are set to meet in the main event, with both men hoping a win will move them closer to an undisputed title shot.
Still, fans haven’t been impressed with the lineup, especially when compared to past cards at The O2 Arena.
UFC London card backed by Dana White
Dana White has never hidden his fondness for hosting events in London. Over the years, he’s often spoken about the energy and atmosphere that comes with bringing the UFC to the UK capital.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Saturday’s event, White pushed back against some of the negative feedback, saying: “It’s an unbelievable card, the card is fun.”
“Seven undefeated fighters on the card, (I love the stats). I love it, I mean, this is what fighting is all about, this is what I always talk about,” White said in reference to the main event.
But despite defending Evloev’s spot at the top of the bill, he previously criticised Movsar Evloev’s style after his fight against Arnold Allen.
“For me, what’s at stake, what does it mean, what does it mean in the division? You know, and again, stakes never higher than they are for the main event in London this weekend and we get to do it in front of some of the best fans in the world.”
White also suggested that a title shot could be on offer for Murphy or Evloev. However Jean Silva recently claimed he would be fighting Alexander Volkanovski next.
Neither fighter has been told directly that their bout will decide a number one contender. The UFC may simply be leaving their options open until after Saturday night plays out.
The contrast between this lineup and previous visits is pretty clear. Recent cards have featured bigger names like Tom Aspinall, Leon Edwards and Paddy Pimblett usually included in the offering.
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