UFC London and Okolie fight in doubt after Storm Eunice rips O2 arena to shreds

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The UFC is set to return to the UK next month with Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann both in action, though those plans may be thrown into disarray after Storm Eunice ripped the roof off London's O2 Arena.

The iconic white cover over the arena has been obliterated by the fierce waves, with some parts of the material, known as SHEERFILL, ending up in the River Thames as a result of the devastating wind.

Of course, with no roof, some events are expected to be postponed unless repairs can be carried out as a matter of emergency.

Winds of 50mph have swept through London on Friday as millions are urged to stay at home and avoid any sort of travelling until Storm Eunice passes.

The damage to the O2 Arena means Lawrence Okolie's WBO World Cruiserweight Championship defence against Michal Cieslak could also now be in doubt.

The bout was set to take place on Sunday 27th February – nine days away – but that will now, obviously, depend on whether the arena is ready.

And if the repairs take a matter of weeks rather than days then UFC London is also in jeopardy as well.
The event is due to take place on Saturday 19th March, but it remains to be seen whether the likes of Jai Herbert and Topuria will be seen fighting at the O2 on the night.

For now, one would imagine that Okolie’s fight will be the top priority.

The WBO Cruiserweight titleholder has recently said that he would welcome a fight against Canelo Alvarez if the opportunity arose. He told DAZN: “If the opportunity is there, then it’s yes from me.

“There’s plenty of talk of him stepping up to cruiserweight, but I’m a big cruiserweight, and I’m not sure I’m the type of fighter he had in mind when stepping up because of just how big I am.

“There’s smaller fighters than me at the weight, and it looks like that’s where he’s heading, but if the chance was there to fight him, then I’d take it. He’s one of the biggest names in the sport, and everyone is aware of who he is.

"It’s the type of fight that would raise my profile in a huge way, and I’d have plenty of advantages that I believe I can use.”

Matchroom Boxing has been contacted for a comment.

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