UFC Fight Night: Manuwa Anderson - Three Fights You Don't Want To Miss

The UFC returns to London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night for UFC Fight Night: Manuwa vs Anderson.

The last time the Octagon came to the UK we were treated to a middleweight title fight between Michel Bisping and Dan Henderson in Manchester. The card might not be quite as stacked this time around but there are still plenty of fights that are well worth your attention.

Not least the headline bout, which sees London’s own Jimi Manuwa, who earned the standout victory of his career at UFC 204 in Manchester by knocking out Ovince St-Preux, taking on the dangerous Corey Anderson in a light heavyweight contest.

Here are three more fights that you won’t want to miss from Saturday night’s action.

Gunnar Nelson vs Alan Jouban – Welterweight

Grappling whiz Gunnar Nelson has been out of action for the best part of a year, with his last appearance being a submission victory over Albert Tumenov back in May 2016.

The Straight Blast Gym fighter will be hoping to secure back to back victories for the first time in almost three years since seeing his unbeaten record snapped by two defeats in his last three outings.

In London, he will take on part-time model and full-time striking technician Alan Jouban at 170lbs.

The 35-year-old Louisiana native has an impressive 8-2 record since making his UFC debut in August 2014 and has won three fights on the bounce, with the first of that run being a devastating TKO against Brendan O’Reilly.

Joseph Duffy vs Reza Madadi – Lightweight

He may be best known for submitting Conor McGregor just 38 seconds into his Cage Warriors debut six-and-a-half years ago, but Irishman Joe Duffy has since carved out an impressive record for himself, with three wins in four Octagon bouts.

The skilled striker and dangerous submission artist will look to follow up a stoppage victory over Mitch Clarke in July last year by getting his hand raised against Reza Madadi on Saturday.

But Madadi will be no pushover. Though he has never managed to record consecutive wins since his 2012 UFC debut, the Iran-born, Sweden-based fighter is a jiu-jitsu purple belt with knockout power.

Marc Diakiese vs Teemu Packalen – Lightweight

After impressing in his Octagon bow at UFC 204 last year, London native Marc Diakiese will have the chance to show off his unique and unpredictable striking skills in front of a hometown crown against Teemu Packalen.

Diakiese stopped Lukasz Sajewski with a flurry of punches and knees in the second round of their meeting in Manchester, after exhibiting his remarkable athleticism throughout the contest. Another victory on Saturday will mark the Englishman out as one to watch in the lightweight division.