NEIL SEERY WAS unanimously beaten on points by flyweight star Brad Pickett on his UFC debut in London this evening.

The 34-year-old MMA veteran, who was called up for his shot at the big time on two weeks’ notice, pushed ‘One Punch’ Pickett all the way and took the Englishman the distance. Ultimately, the judges awarded the bout to the home favourite with scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-8.

Seery received huge cheers from the crowd during and after the bout. The support came from many neutrals and fight fans but there was a large Irish contingent in-situ.

Pickett’s take-downs and his superior ground game — one arm triangle had Seery’s strength sapped late in the first round — were key but the Dubliner did have his opponent in trouble on several occasions. A shuddering left hook had Pickett reeling but he went on to edge the second and third rounds. His record improves to 24-8.

Bouts are continuing at the UFC showcase but pundits are already calling for the Seery-Pickett match-up to be declared Fight of the Night.

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