In one of the most highly anticipated Fight Nights in UFC History, the UFC’s return to The O2 Arena in London. Exceeded expectations and lived up to potentially be an early contender for the card of the year. Showcasing the best of UK mix martial arts from top to bottom.

(#15 FW) Ilia Topuria vs (LW) Jai Herbert

Opening the main card, Ilia Topuria versus Jai Herbert was an exciting back & forth matchup that nearly looked to end in the first however when the fight reached the second, Topuria’s forward pressure allowed him to open up for a clean right hook finish to continue the momentum of the 15 ranked featherweight.

What is next?

Ilia Toupuria: Considering his feud with Paddy Pimblett, a fight between the two would be justified however considering Toupuria is flip-flopping between divisions it is unknown what is next for Ilia.

In the featherweight division matchups such as Shane Burgos, Edson Barboza, or Sodiq Yusuff would be ideal. For lightweight Mike Davis, Mason Jones, Jalin Turner, or Terrance McKinney would be fantastic matchups.

Jai Herbert: With the one toughest starts to his UFC career, Jai Herbert has fought top fighter after top fighter. So to get Herbert back on track opponents like the winner of Puelles/Guida, Devonte Smith, or Chris Gruetzemacher would work.

(W FlyW) Molly McCann vs (W FlyW) Luana Carolina

Following the insane knockout punch by Ilia Topuria, Molly “Meatball” McCann took it a step further by landing a spinning elbow knocking out Luana Carolina. In such a fashion in which it could be an early contender for knockout of the year. As overall Molly looked sharp with her striking and forward pressure. Leaving everything on the line and throwing strategic caution to the wind.

What is next?

Molly McCann: After that impressive finish, Molly's stock in the UFC has risen exponentially. To further her success and maximize the “prime” of her career matchups like Antonina Shevchenko, J.J. Aldrich, Mariya Agapova, or a rematch against Gillian Robertson would see fit.

Luana Carolina: Following that brutal loss, Carolina may take some time to heal up so once she steps back into the octagon future opponents could be the winner of Goldy/Frey, Ji Yeon Kim, or a prospect.

(WW) Gunnar Nelson vs (WW) Takashi Sato

In a matchup between two veteran welterweights. Gunnar Nelson prevailed with his mix of karate movements and pure grappling. Grinding out a unanimous decision after a 3-year layoff.

What is next?

Gunnar Nelson: Following this unanimous decision victory, I expect Nelson to take each fight by fight and not really rush himself back into the octagon. His next matchups could be against Alex Morono, the winner of Matt Brown/Bryan Barberena, Nicolas Dalby, Robbie Lawler, or Michael Morales.

Takashi Sato: With this loss, Sato is in limbo with the UFC but moving forward his next matchups could be Ramiz Brahimaj, AJ Fletcher, or a prospect.

(LW) pADDY pIMBLETT vs (LW) Rodrigo Vargas

Possibly the fight that everyone came to see, Paddy Pimblett in his second fight in the UFC and first time back in England since his time in Cage Warriors. Paddy Pimblett delivered an easy victory with a sweep to a submission after being taken down by Vargas.

Pimblett projects to the UFC’s next “cash cow” similar to the likes of Sean O’Malley and Conor Mcgregor. In the end, will he get paid what he deserves, and will the UFC not rush his progression?

What is next?

Paddy Pimblett: Prior to this fight as mentioned earlier Pimblett and Topuria are on course for a potential grudge match. However, as mentioned in Paddy in his post-fight press conference in order to fight tougher opponents.

“He’ll need a couple more zero’s in his paycheck”, Pimblett said.

Future opponents include Jamie Mullarkey, Ignacio Bahamondes, the winner of Puelles/Guida, and many more because everyone wants to fight Pimblett.

Rodrigo Vargas: With the quick submission loss, Vargas may look for a fighter sooner rather than later in the future so matchups for him include Nikolas Motta, Uros Medic, or Luigi Vendramini.

(#6 FW) Arnold Allen vs (#13 LW) dAN hOOKER

In a back & forth display of striking, Arnold Allen versus Dan Hooker easily was one of the fights of the night. As both athletes rocked each other with quick combinations and forward pressure. In the end, Allen was just the faster fighter landing a fury of punches to gain his first KO/TKO since 2013.

What is next?

Arnold Allen: Following this massive win, Arnold Allen has placed himself to be towards a path to the title. As he may be 1-2 impressive performances away from securing a shot. So to continue his momentum and match him versus the best in the division. The ideal matchup for Arnold Allen is (#5) Calvin Kattar which stylistically he matchups very well against.

Dan Hooker: Man… It is tough to not feel bad for Dan Hooker because he is a phenomenal fighter who is going through a rough stretch of fights. As he has been fighting contender after contender in the lightweight and featherweight division. My best advice for him next in his career is to take a break similar to Calvin Katter after his loss to Max Holloway. Sure you can get a fight in the future as he is not afraid of anyone but if he stays in the path he is at right now in his career, he still fighting hungry killers or fighters looking to add his name on their list.

(#6 HW) Tom Aspinall vs (#7 HW) Alexander Volkov

In his first main event and first fight in front of a sold-out arena. Tom Aspinall stayed cool, calm, and collected to submit Alexander Volkov in the first round. Bringing the London crowd to an uproar of excitement as their man has showcased himself to be a future champion and a problem in the division.

What is next?

Tom Aspinall: After securing a submission win in dominant fashion, Tom Aspinall is on a path towards an interim title. Even though he told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour he doesn’t believe he is ready. The funny thing is prior to the Volkov main event, Aspinall said he wanted to take things slow and climb the division fight by fight. So months later he may eat his words but moving forward ideal matchups include Ciryl Gane, Stipe Miocic, the winner of Blaydes/Daukaus this Saturday (March 26), or Tai Tuivasa who he called out after the fight.

Alexander Volkov: With this loss Volkov’s future matchups include Blaydes/Chris Daukaus, the winner Rozenstruik/Tybura, or Sergei Pavlovich.

Thumbnail and all photos by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC. Rankings and future matchups provided by UFC.com and Rankingmma.com