Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady prediction, pick: Can an ex-champ get back on track at UFC London?

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC Fight Night 255 main event between former welterweight champion Leon Edwards and Sean Brady.

Leon Edwards UFC Fight Night 255 preview

Staple info:

• Record: 22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC
• Height: 6’0″ Age: 33 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 74″
• Last fight: Decision loss to Belal Muhammad (July 27, 2024)
• Camp: Team Renegade (Birmingham, England)
• Stance/striking style: Southpaw/muay Thai
• Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Former UFC welterweight champion
+ BAMMA welterweight title
+ Amateur MMA accolades
+ 6 KO victories
+ 3 submission wins
+ 5 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Good lateral footwork
+ Accurate shot selection
^ Coming forward and off the counter
+ Hard knees and body kicks
+ Superb clinch game
^ Grip awareness, elbows off the break, etc.
+ Underrated wrestling ability
^ Solid defensive and offensive fundamentals

Sean Brady UFC Fight Night 255 preview

Staple info:

• 17-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC
• Height: 5’10” Age: 32 Weight: 170 lbs. Reach: 72″
• Last fight: Decision win over Gilbert Burns (Sept. 7, 2024)
• Camp: Marquez MMA/Renzo Gracie Philly (Philadelphia)
• Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
• Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA title
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
+ 3 KO victories
+ 5 submission wins
+ 3 first-round finishes
+ Improved overall striking
^ Good countering sensibilities
+ Accurate left hook
+ Strong in side the clinch
^ Works well from bodylock
+ Solid wrestling ability
^ Offensively and defensively
+ Excellent positional grappling
^ Superb from topside or when riding cageside
+/- 2-0 opposite UFC-level southpaws

Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady point of interest: The cost of counters

The main event in London features a showdown between two top welterweights who are familiar with the cost of counters.

Aside from the looming takedown threat that Sean Brady brings to the table, the Philadelphia native has developed a taste for countering while striking on the feet.

Traditionally taking more of a backfoot approach, Brady appears to be okay with allowing his opponents to come to him.

Although Brady can work into the pocket behind his lead hand when he needs to, the Marquez MMA product prefers counter in combination (taking takedowns when available). Brady also has a solid left hook that’s effective both coming forward and off the counter, but can sometimes be countered himself when overthrowing his favored weapon.

Brady’s kick counters will likely serve him well this Saturday, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pressure a bit more, in general, given the stylistic dynamic at play.

A slick, diverse striker who can counter or come forward with effect, Edwards’ pairing of speed and accuracy helps him cover a lot of ground in regard to gaining respect.

Leon Edwards counter striking pic.twitter.com/6ZBIiXgAh7

— Miguel Class (@MigClass) August 19, 2022

Showing the threat of a deceptive lead hand that he often uses to check his opponents, Edwards keeps powerful left crosses and kicks at the ready, occasionally sprinkling in sneaky teeps and explosive knees to intercept oncoming level changes. The Englishman also doesn’t mind throwing a shot away in order to land another, as Edwards seems perfectly fine with making adjustments on the fly.

Whenever his opponents offer up straight shots down the center, Edwards has a knack for countering over the tops of their shoulders. And when they decide to hook hard or launch power from the rear, Edwards is quick to suffocate their efforts by initiating the clinch and applying his patent close-quarter-combat tactics.

When feeling in stride, Edwards will try and capitalize on previous bodywork by going up high with his patent head kick – usually setting it up off of your classic southpaw double-attack dynamic.

Even though I see Edwards’ knees and elbows having some play in this fight, the distance he likes to launch it at will likely invite a very sticky customer.

Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady breakdown: Winning the wrestling

Considering the previous success that other fighters have had against Edwards, no one should be shocked if Brady looks to pressure the former champion into grappling exchanges early and often.

Although it should be obvious with his brick house build, Brady has made a reputation for himself as an insanely strong positional grappler who feels like a gorilla in closed quarters.

Wielding some serviceable takedown chops, Brady demonstrates a solid attack process, particularly when working from a bodylock. Whether Brady is manipulating a standing leg or is looking to hit shuck-bys toward the back, the Renzo Gracie representative chains his moves well when working along the fence, flowing from takedowns to positional rides like clockwork.

And once Brady establishes one of his favored positions, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is both patient and methodical when it comes to bottlenecking opposition into his preferred submissions.

Thankfully for Edwards, the Englishman appears to be more comfortable in the clinch than he is anywhere else in the octagon.