Luke Riley and the risky attempt to recreate a Paddy Pimblett moment at UFC London

This was a risky move. In just his second fight in the UFC , Liverpool’s Luke Riley was deployed in a co-main-event slot in London – a spot he admitted he had likely not earned . The UFC ’s intent was clear: with a certain friend, teammate and fellow Scouser in his corner, Riley would have extra eyes on him on Saturday.

Of course, the man in question was Paddy Pimblett . See, “Paddy The Baddy” was used in a very similar slot at the same stage of his UFC career. After a successful debut in 2021, Pimblett was third-from-top of the bill at UFC London in 2022, as the O2 Arena’s dome threatened to fall in on itself – such was the explosion of noise from fans.

Now here was Riley, having scored a KO on his UFC debut in 2025, co-headlining UFC London in 2026 . It could, and probably should, have been Michael “Venom” Page instead , as 26-year-old Riley admitted on Wednesday. But it was Riley in the end, handed the ball and asked to sprint like his life depended on it.

Luke Riley (left) during his points win over Michael Aswell Jr (Getty Images) First came the walk, though. Did Riley’s walkout have shades of Pimblett’s from four years ago? Soft shades, yes, and Riley did need to actively stir up some excitement in the O2’s onlookers while stepping in the cage.