The mixed martial arts leader looks to be losing no time at all in scheduling its following journey across the Atlantic.

After returning to the UK post-pandemic in 2022 with two UFC Battle Evening cards, the promotion presented its very first pay-per-view in the area since 2016 earlier this month.

The event was relatively a success across the board, including for the residence followers in attendance that got to witness Birmingham's own Leon Edwards efficiently defend the welterweight title generally occasion.

The King of the O2 arena tonight!!!! 👑 @Leon_EdwardsMMA | #UFC286

And also although we're yet to also go into the following schedule month, the day for the following London card shows up to have actually been dripped thanks to one Michael Bisping.

During a current video clip on his YouTube network, the former UFC middleweight champion relatively spilled the beans on the promo's go back to England's funding, naming July 22 as the planned day.

The Cage Warriors routine also appears to support Bisping's comments. Commonly, UFC London cards are come before by the UK-based promotion staging an event the evening before, and also per the Cage Warriors web site, a card will certainly go down on July 21.

So, with all indications aiming towards another UK showcase this summer season, talk may quickly look to one crucial concern: who will decorate the poster?

" Rocky" Covers London 2.0?

Obviously, must the UFC return to London with its second PPV of the year at The O2 sector, there's just one boxer people will anticipate to see in the headline area.

Having actually supplied a viral ko to win the welterweight belt and also become just the UK's second-ever UFC titleholder, Leon Edwards appreciated a long-awaited centerpiece on house dirt on March 18.

Need to the anticipated July 22 card be confirmed as a numbered event, Edwards would certainly appear to rest as the only logical choice. The next emphasis, after that, would surround the individual that the UFC plans on placing opposite "Rocky.".

Despite lots of differing with the decision, it shows up that former acting champ Colby Covington will note the 2nd challenge to Edwards' regime.

While the Brit has continuously dismissed the recommendation that "Chaos" is entitled to the shot, there might be one positive side: It doesn't show up that Covington has any issue battling the champ in enemy area.

Along with heading to London for the backup duty at UFC 286, Covington expressed his readiness to rip the gold from Edwards' understanding in the international city throughout a communication with the media.

" We buried the English in 1776, as well as I would certainly love to bury him (Edwards) in his residence country," Covington said.

The champ makes the calls these days 👀 Give @Leon_EdwardsMMA his respect! #UFC286

Aspinall's Third O2 Main Event?

Since this writing, there's no confirmation regarding whether the expected July 22 card will be a PPV or UFC Battle Night event. Must it be the latter, it stands to factor that Edwards departures the formula as a possible headliner.

Keeping that, go into Tom Aspinall.

While it's likely that the Mancunian heavyweight will certainly feature on the card no matter what, a Fight Evening celebration will likely see him get in the main event spotlight in his nation's capital for the 3rd time.

Last March, Aspinall was the main attraction at the promo's very first event in the UK because 2019, headlining opposite Alexander Volkov. In what was an outbreak performance, the 29-year-old submitted his Russian adversary in one round.

But Aspinall's student London headliner didn't finish in success, with a knee injury ending his competition with Curtis Blaydes after just 15 seconds. Having run out action ever since, what better way to return than rewording his latest memory of England's capital?

A current interview with the man himself would appear to recommend that is greater than likely.

" That might be true. It might hold true," Aspinall said when asked whether he's looking at a put on a possible London card in July. "It's simply got ta obtain settled today. I have actually obtained an opponent, whatever is wonderful with that.".

Given Ciryl Gane's recent obstacle versus Jon Jones at UFC 285, lots of have suggested that a timeless France vs. England battle could be set for Aspinall's return fight.

If that's verified for July 22, the British heavyweight will seek to send off "Bon Gamin" in a similar fashion to his standout March 2022 performance.

Tom Aspinall has ARRIVED 💪 #UFCLondon

Allen's Maiden UK Headliner?

While the above two alternatives possibly take most of the possibility when it involves a London-held PPV or UFC Fight Evening card, there may be a couple of even more alternatives with an outside chance.

One of those is Arnold Allen, that annihilated Dan Hooker the last time he required to the cage inside The O2. Having lost out on a home battle this month, "Almighty" will certainly return in a couple of weeks' time to tackle Max Holloway in the UFC Kansas City centerpiece.

With a win, it can be anticipated that Allen will wait for a chance at the title, probably after ruling lightweight authority Alexander Volkanovski as well as acting titleholder Yair Rodríguez link the belts.

Ought to the Ipswich native fall short versus "Blessed" come April 15, and not take substantial damage, he may look for a fast rebound on house dirt in order to go back to title contention.

With the similarity Brian Ortega, Josh Emmett, Ilia Topuria, as well as Giga Chikadze without confirmed bouts, Allen likely would not be short on alternatives.

Whether it would headline over Aspinall, nevertheless, is another point.

Triple A heading to #UFCKansasCity! 🇬🇧✈️🇺🇸 Your official @BlessedMMA vs @Arnoldbfa poster has landed!

The noticeable various other option would certainly be Paddy Pimblett. However with his recent surgical procedure and the idea that he'll be out until the final quarter of 2023, "The Baddy" seems likely to miss out on a 2nd straight UK card.