SHOCK UPSET: Sean Brady Becomes First Fighter Ever to Finish Leon Edwards with Stunning Guillotine Choke at UFC London

The MMA world was turned upside down this weekend when Sean Brady accomplished what many thought impossible – submitting the seemingly unsubmittable Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC London. In a fourth-round finish that left the O2 Arena in stunned silence, Brady snatched a guillotine choke that forced the welterweight champion to tap, marking the first time Edwards has ever been finished in his professional career.

Let me tell you, I’ve covered hundreds of fights, but this one had me jumping out of my seat.

The Shocking Moment That Changed Everything

Through three rounds, we were watching a classic Leon Edwards performance – technical striking, solid takedown defense, and that signature calm demeanor. The fight was razor close on the scorecards, with both men having their moments. Edwards’ precise striking was landing, but Brady’s pressure was constant.

Then came the fourth round.

As Edwards shot for a takedown – perhaps looking to secure the round – Brady countered with lightning-fast reflexes, wrapping his arm around Edwards’ neck and locking in the guillotine choke. The champion fought it for several seconds before the unthinkable happened: he tapped.

Insert image of Brady’s guillotine submission on Edwards here

Historical Context: Why This Upset Matters

This isn’t just another UFC upset. Let’s put this in perspective:

• Edwards had never been finished in 26 professional fights
• The champion was on a 13-fight unbeaten streak dating back to 2016
• Edwards had only lost to Kamaru Usman (and later avenged that loss)
• Brady was a +350 underdog heading into the fight

What makes this even more remarkable is that Brady, while respected as a grappler, wasn’t widely viewed as a submission threat to someone of Edwards’ caliber. The American was coming off a win over Kelvin Gastelum but had previously suffered the first loss of his career against Belal Muhammad.

The Tale of the Tape: How the Fight Unfolded

What Brady Said Post-Fight

“I’ve been working on that guillotine for years,” Brady told Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview. “I felt him getting desperate with the takedown attempt and I knew that was my moment. Leon is a champion for a reason, and I have nothing but respect for him, but tonight was my night.”

The Philadelphia native improved to 17-1 with the victory, instantly launching himself into title contention in the welterweight division.

The London Crowd’s Reaction

You could hear a pin drop when Edwards tapped. The pro-British crowd that had been roaring throughout the night fell silent in collective shock. As reality set in, boos cascaded down before eventually turning to reluctant applause for Brady’s incredible achievement.

I’ve been to dozens of UFC events, and the atmosphere shift in that arena was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

For Brady, this victory catapults him into the upper echelon of the welterweight division. With Belal Muhammad currently holding the title, a rematch between the two could be on the horizon – this time with championship gold on the line.

As for Edwards, this marks a significant setback but certainly not the end of his elite career. The 32-year-old has overcome adversity before, and his technical skills remain among the best in the division. Expect him to take some time off before returning, possibly against another top-5 contender to rebuild momentum.

The Welterweight Division Shakeup

Brady’s victory has thrown the entire 170-pound weight class into chaos. Here’s how the top of the division now potentially looks:

1. Belal Muhammad (Champion)
2. Sean Brady
3. Shavkat Rakhmonov
4. Leon Edwards
5. Kamaru Usman

Final Thoughts: A Night That Will Live in UFC History

Some fights change careers. This one changed both men’s legacies. For Brady, it’s the moment he announced himself as elite. For Edwards, it’s a humbling experience that will test his championship resolve.

I’ve been covering MMA for years, and these are the moments that remind us why this sport is so unpredictable and thrilling. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen – BOOM – a guillotine choke comes out of nowhere and the MMA world is flipped on its head.

What did you think of the fight? Were you as shocked as I was? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to follow our coverage as we continue to break down all the fallout from this historic upset at UFC London.

Source: UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady official results