Leon Edwards` aspirations for another shot at the welterweight championship have been seriously damaged after a decisive defeat by Sean Brady.
The British fighter faced the skilled submission specialist Sean Brady in the main event of UFC Fight Night 255 in London on Saturday.
Edwards, aged 33, returned to the O2 Arena for the first time since losing his 170lb title to Belal Muhammad last July.
However, his attempt to become a two-time champion was thwarted by Brady from Philadelphia, who submitted him in the fourth round of their fight at the North Greenwich arena.
A delighted Brady commented: “I agreed to this fight right after leaving the hospital with my wife and our newborn child.
“I knew I was capable of this, and I believe I should be in the top three without a doubt.
“Dana gave me a fantastic opportunity to compete here.
"I appreciate the UK fans, and I apologize for defeating your hometown fighter, but I have a lot of respect for him.”
Brady started aggressively, launching several combinations that forced Edwards to defend while the crowd chanted "Rocky, Rocky, Rocky."
Edwards effectively stopped Brady`s early attempts to take the fight to the ground, using knees to create distance.
However, towards the end of the first round, Brady managed to sweep Edwards and take him down.
Brady chose not to strike after the round restart, immediately going for a takedown.
Edwards initially defended well but was eventually taken to the ground.
Brady controlled Edwards with dominant positioning, briefly threatening a kimura submission.
In the third round, Edwards countered Brady`s aggression with a sharp elbow, prompting Brady to attempt another takedown.
Edwards defended it initially but then surprisingly attempted a takedown himself, which allowed Brady to regain control and land more ground strikes before the round concluded.
Perhaps cautious of takedowns during striking exchanges, Edwards started the fourth round moving backwards.
This provided Brady the opportunity he needed to shoot for a takedown against the fence.
Brady then transitioned into a tight guillotine choke, forcing Edwards to submit.
